The Joint Commission recently published Sentinel Event Alert #69 “Environmental disasters: Preparing to safely evacuate or shelter in place,” emphasizing the need for U.S. healthcare facilities to prepare for environmental disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and...
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Recent changes to 42 CFR Part 2 were finalized in February 2024 and align the confidentiality regulations for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records with HIPAA and the HITECH Act. These changes focus on improving care coordination and reducing regulatory burdens for...
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In behavioral health settings, reporting near misses is a cornerstone of fostering a culture of safety. Near misses—incidents that could have resulted in harm but did not—are crucial learning opportunities that help prevent future adverse events. The Joint Commission...
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In any healthcare setting, particularly in psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health care environments, identifying and mitigating risks before they lead to adverse outcomes is crucial. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a proactive risk...
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Workplace violence (WPV) in psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health centers remains a significant concern. According to The Joint Commission’s recent EC News and Quick Safety articles, implementing de-escalation techniques plays a critical role in...
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Youth suicide is a heartbreaking reality that communities around the world grapple with. However, there is hope. By employing creative and compassionate strategies for reducing youth suicide, we can create environments that foster resilience, support mental health,...
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Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) have emerged as essential tools in mental health care. They empower individuals with mental health conditions to maintain autonomy and ensure their treatment preferences are respected during crises. As these directives gain...
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When embarking on the journey of constructing a new healthcare facility, the stakes are incredibly high. The success of the project not only depends on the architectural and construction teams but also on a seamless alignment with accreditation and regulatory...
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Assessing staff competencies in psychiatric hospitals and Behavioral Health Care & Human Services organizations is essential for ensuring quality patient care and maintaining high standards across the board. However, the traditional methods of evaluation can often...
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In 1999, a significant change in the landscape of mental health care payments was set in motion by Section 124 of the Balanced Budget Refinement Act (BBRA). This legislation mandated the creation of a per diem Prospective Payment System to standardize payments for...
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In the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of the board or governing body is more critical than ever. These boards are the strategic stewards of healthcare organizations, tasked with ensuring that healthcare organizations not only survive...
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All the Psychiatric Hospital and Community Behavioral Health & Human Resources program accreditors and regulators require the investigation of patient/client safety events. If there is an incident, staff effectiveness is one element that is crucial to assess. This...
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Effective January 1, 2025, The Joint Commission has approved new and revised requirements for Behavioral Health and Human Services organizations accredited under the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Behavioral Health and Human Services regarding the use of...
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The Joint Commission recently released new requirements for Behavioral Health and Human Services organizations treating Opioid Use Disorder. Opioid use and its associated consequences, such as overdose, represent a significant health care issue in the United States....
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Did you know a federal jury in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida has convicted Gail Russ, Cassandre Jean, and Vilaire Duroseau of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in a fraudulent nursing diploma scheme. These individuals were part of a larger...
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The Joint Commission (TJC) is launching a new Telehealth accreditation program (TEL) effective July 1, 2024 designed for health care organizations that provide care through telehealth or offer telehealth services to another organization’s patients. Recognizing...
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In our May 8, 2024 Blog, we discussed strategies for optimizing electronic health records (EHRs) specifically for psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health providers. As a follow-up, this blog focuses on the essential factors to consider when selecting an...
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In the ever-evolving landscape of psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health care, one of the most promising advancements lies in the role of AI in healthcare, specifically through its integration into behavioral health services. As we continue to recognize...
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In the realm of psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health providers, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) play a pivotal role in delivering quality care while ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards. These facilities handle sensitive...
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The National Quality Forum (NQF), an affiliate of the Joint Commission, has launched a groundbreaking initiative called “Focus on HARM” to combat the persistently high rates of avoidable medical errors and preventable patient harm in healthcare. Despite...
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In the ever-evolving landscape of behavioral health care, there is a growing emphasis on adopting evidence-based practices to improve client outcomes. Implementing Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is one approach that is gaining traction. It involves systematically...
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Starting July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission (TJC) has updated workplace violence prevention standards for all Joint Commission-accredited Behavioral Health Care and Human Services (BHC & HS) organizations. New and Revised Workplace Violence Standards These...
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In the fast-paced realm of healthcare, effective communication among healthcare team members is essential to quality patient care. The advent of technology, particularly texting, has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals communicate. However, with innovation...
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In the realm of healthcare, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients/clients is paramount. However, when it comes to behavioral health, where vulnerabilities may be more complex and nuanced, cultivating a culture of safety becomes even more critical. The Joint...
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The Joint Commission is proposing changes to the restraint, seclusion, and physical holding standards in the Behavioral Health Care and Human Services standards manual. The proposed rewrite aims to increase clarity and reduce duplicative requirements by streamlining...
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In an ongoing effort to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in healthcare facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed significant changes to enhance its oversight of...
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In any healthcare system, the rights and responsibilities of patients/clients and their families are vital. One critical aspect of this is the ability to voice concerns and have them addressed in a timely and effective manner. The Joint Commission Hospital and...
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As of July 1, 2024, Joint Commission Accredited Psychiatric Hospitals accredited under the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, must comply with new and revised infection prevention and control requirements. This overhaul involves a comprehensive rewrite...
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In 2023, the healthcare industry witnessed a considerable number of citations issued to hospitals across the United States. According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a total of 4,980 citations were delivered to hospitals during the...
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Starting July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission approved a set of fresh and updated workplace violence prevention criteria, applicable to all Behavioral Health Care and Human Services (BHC & HS) organizations accredited by the Joint Commission. Three new and one...
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Joint Commission launched its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) accreditation program on July 1, 2023. Recently, the Joint Commission approved a set of new and revised CCBHC requirements specifically designed for organizations selecting the CCBHC...
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In a significant development, The Joint Commission has implemented updates to the 2024 ORYX Performance Measures reporting requirements, effective as of January 1, 2024. These changes are applicable to critical access hospitals, acute care hospitals, and freestanding...
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Joint Commission has made significant changes to their definition of a sentinel event related to suicide. These changes, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, have surprised organizations because TJC typically provides a generous six-month notice for alterations to...
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Winter is here! Are you aware that The Joint Commission has recently revised its accreditation eligibility criteria for opioid treatment programs (OTPs)? This update holds significant importance for both Hospitals and Behavioral Health Care organizations with OTP...
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The US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced significant changes to its validation survey process for accrediting organizations (AOs). This update is aimed at streamlining the evaluation process while maintaining the highest standards...
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Non-attendance of treatment groups is a common phenomenon in mental health care settings, and it can have negative consequences for both the individuals served and the service provider. According to some studies, non-attendance can lead to financial costs for the...
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In the realm of Behavioral Health Care (BHC) organizations, creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount. However, several physical environment challenges pose challenges that demand careful attention and mitigation strategies to ensure the well-being of...
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The Joint Commission places a strong emphasis on reducing the use of restraints and seclusion in psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health care organizations. These settings play a vital role in offering care and support to individuals facing behavioral health...
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In the realm of behavioral health, where individuals grapple with the complex interplay of mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and traumatic experiences, a compassionate approach can make all the difference. Trauma-informed care is a guiding principle...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued crucial updates regarding accreditation processes for healthcare organizations. These updates, detailed in a memo dated September 15, 2023, have far-reaching implications for how Hospitals and...
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You may know that the TJC National Patient Safety Goal 15.01.01, Reduce the Risk of Suicide, EPs 1-5 are the five most cited standard and elements of performance in the Behavioral Health Care Standards Manual (CAMBHC). However, you may not know the next 5 most cited...
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Did you know that the Joint Commission continues to place an emphasis on workplace violence prevention and response? TJC has several standards that support the development of a workplace violence program based on an annual worksite analysis. In fact, it is the...
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In a recent email, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) released an important memo that outlines updates and guidelines for all Accrediting Organizations (AO). The memo, effective from July 14, 2023, includes several important points that will impact TJC’s...
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For licensing purposes, health care facilities are required to have pre construction risk assessment (PCRA) and infection control risk assessment (ICRA) processes established. But anyone who has tackled a construction project knows that identifying potential...
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In 2022, nearly half of the nation’s hospitals ended the year in the red. With budgets under pressure, healthcare organizations have been forced to take a variety of steps to cut expenses. But when it comes to the essential services a hospital needs to elevate patient...
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Joint Commission accreditation is not only a mark of excellence but also a requirement for deemed providers receiving CMS funding and demonstrating a commitment to patient safety. However, the accreditation process can be rigorous, and a preliminary denial of...
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Did you know that the Joint Commission has standards that support the provision of high-quality crisis services in both Hospital and Behavioral Health settings? In fact, the Joint Commission has had these standards for years. However, these standards have never been...
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Did you know that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S?. And with no improvement in suicide rates, the Joint Commission continues to emphasize the NPSG suicide risk reduction standard 15.01.01.01. This standard highlights the importance of identifying...
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Are you aware that The Joint Commission updated the standard (LD.04.02.03 EP1) addressing ethical issues in healthcare? This is an important change to note for both Hospitals and Behavioral Health Care organizations. In fact, this update does not introduce a new...
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Did you know the Joint Commission published a February update to the 2023 standards? And similar to an annual spring cleaning, it is time to dust off the standards that need attention and get them organized with the new updates! Joint Commission February 2023...
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Take note of these important new standards! The Joint Commission will launch the new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) standards on July 1, 2023. It’s important to know that both Hospitals and Behavioral Health Care organizations have Certified...
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Be aware! There’s a Joint Commission focus on pregnancy and mental health conditions. TJC recently published Quick Safety Issue 67: Mental Health Conditions Leading Cause of Pregnancy-Related Deaths. The TJC article covers the recent report from the Centers for...
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Be aware! The Joint Commission standard on medication administration (MM.06.01.01 EP 3) is one surveyors frequently cite for both Hospitals and Behavioral Health Care organizations. In fact, it’s typically because medications are not administered consistent with...
read moreAkron Children’s Hospital is a pediatric acute care hospital in Akron, Ohio. Their continuum of behavioral health services includes inpatient, PHP, IOP, and outpatient addictions treatment. Akron Children’s Hospital is Joint Commission accredited and CMS certified....
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The Joint Commission’s contract services requirements have been around for a while. However, survey findings in this area still occur frequently as we saw throughout 2022. So, we thought a brief refresher on this topic might be helpful. Evaluating Contract Services: A...
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