What defines the requirements for a quality management system according to ISO?

ISO 9001 is the international standard that outlines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). It provides a framework for organizations to ensure they consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while enhancing customer satisfaction. The standard emphasizes continuous improvement and the need for processes that promote quality through planning, execution, and assessment. By adhering to ISO 9001, organizations can demonstrate their capability to meet customer demands effectively and efficiently.

The other options relate to aspects that might play a role in quality management but do not define the requirements of a quality management system specifically. Standards of communication are important but do not encompass the entirety of a quality management system. Patient satisfaction metrics can be relevant for healthcare quality management but aren't universally applicable across all industries as defined by ISO. Financial performance measures are critical for assessing an organization’s viability but do not cover the quality management framework or requirements set by ISO. Thus, ISO 9001 stands out as the foundational standard for defining the requirements of a QMS.