1. One of the assessments made by The Joint Commission to see if the performance and location of medical services is available to meet the demands of an individual’s and a community’s needs. 2. Measurement in terms of type, volume, and location of the supply of health resources and services relative to the needs or demands of an individual or a community. Health care is available to an individual when he or she can obtain it at the time and place that he or she needs it, from appropriate personnel. Available is a function of the distribution of appropriate resources and services, as well as the willingness of the provider to serve the particular patient in need. See also access and acceptability.