Barrins & Associates has proven expertise in preparing Behavioral Healthcare organizations for successful TJC and CMS surveys. Our consulting team is led by a former Joint Commission surveyor and includes psychiatry, nursing, social work, psychology, health information management and engineering. All consultants have hands-on experience in directing successful TJC and CMS Survey Preparation programs in accredited Behavioral Healthcare organizations.
We have a proven strategy for TJC and CMS survey success that we tailor to the needs of each unique Behavioral Healthcare organization. Our proven approach to successful Survey Preparation includes the following components:
Organizational Assessment
The comprehensive baseline Organizational Assessment evaluates your current level of compliance with the specific TJC and CMS standards applicable to your programs and settings. The assessment is tailored to your Behavioral Healthcare organization’s specific scope of service, client population, and settings. This baseline Organizational Assessment provides the foundation for developing a Customized Survey Preparation Plan for TJC and CMS survey readiness.
Customized Survey Preparation Plan
The Customized Survey Preparation Plan details the specific actions needed to bring your organization into full compliance with TJC and CMS standards and be successful on your survey. The plan provides a roadmap and timetable for achieving a successful survey outcome. Our consultants work with your team to identify the action steps, target dates and responsible individuals needed to implement the Customized Survey Preparation Plan.
Joint Commission and CMS Standards Training
Training on the latest TJC and CMS standards ensures that managers and staff understand the intent, rationale, and specific requirements of the standards. Our consultants provide customized training to ensure that your team understands how the various TJC and CMS standards are applied in your specific types of Behavioral Healthcare programs. Our Standards Training provides “best practice” examples for meeting the most challenging standards.
Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process Training
Survey Process Training provides strategies for managing your next TJC or CMS survey. We conduct training on the tracer methodology to ensure that your staff is prepared for the tracers conducted during the TJC and CMS surveys. Our consultants also prepare your managers and staff for the TJC and CMS interviews that are part of the survey agenda.
Mock Joint Commission and CMS Surveys
The Mock Survey provides a critical opportunity for your staff to experience the TJC or CMS survey process and gain confidence in their survey presentation skills. The Mock Survey simulates the actual agenda for your TJC or CMS survey and includes numerous tracers and all of the standard TJC and CMS survey interviews. Our consultants are experienced in the most current TJC and CMS survey techniques. We coach your managers and staff on how to handle challenging survey issues.
Environment of Care/Life Safety Code Review
We provide a Life Safety Code Specialist who is an engineer and expert on both the NFPA Life Safety Code and TJC/CMS Environment of Care standards. We conduct a comprehensive review of your physical plant to determine compliance with the NFPA Life Safety Code. We also provide hands-on technical assistance with completion of the Statement of Condition required by TJC. In addition, we evaluate your organization’s compliance with the TJC and CMS Environment of Care, Emergency Management and Life Safety standards and develop an action plan for compliance on your survey.