The Joint Commission warns that rude language and hostile behavior among healthcare professionals go beyond being unpleasant and put patient safety and overall quality of care at risk.

The independent organization that accredits most of U.S. hospitals wants the more than 15,000 U.S.heathcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, laboratories, ambulatory care facilities and behavioral healthcare facilities, to set a "zero tolerance" policy for intimidating and disruptive behavior.

"Most healthcare workers do their jobs with care, compassion and professionalism," Dr. Mark R. Chassin, president of The Joint Commission, said in a statement. "But sometimes professionalism breaks down and behaviors threaten patient safety."

The Joint Commission recommends healthcare facilities:

-- Educate all healthcare workers about professional behavior, telephone interactions, business etiquette and general people skills.

-- Hold all team members accountable for modeling desirable behaviors, and enforce the code of conduct consistently and equitably.

-- Reducing fears of retribution against those who report intimidating and disruptive behaviors.