Which statement best describes the Joint Commission's impact on anesthesia practice and legal risk?

• A. The Joint Commission sets patient safety and quality standards; hospitals must comply; accreditation impacts licensure and reimbursement; noncompliance can result in penalties.
• B. Accreditation is voluntary and has no impact on licensure or reimbursement.
• C. It only affects the hospital's branding with no regulatory consequences.
• D. Noncompliance results in immediate license revocation.

Answer: (D)