Over the past several years, many conversations across the behavioral health field have focused on developing coordinated crisis and treatment systems that connect hospitals, crisis services, and community-based providers. Behavioral health care in the United States...
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For community behavioral health organizations, the greatest risks rarely occur during clinical encounters. They emerge between visits, during care transitions, and in the complex realities of the communities their patients call home. As care models evolve and crisis...
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Expanding crisis response services and evolving community treatment models are reshaping the behavioral health continuum. These developments present psychiatric hospital leaders with critical operational and regulatory implications. Increasingly, the Joint Commission...
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In the world of behavioral health compliance, we often find that the most dangerous risks aren’t found in a missing signature or an outdated policy manual—they are found in the gaps where staff choose to stay silent. Whether you are managing a psychiatric...
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Preventing adverse events in 2026 should begin with a careful reflection: what truly drove the serious events of the past year, and how can those lessons shape a stronger approach moving forward? One pattern is increasingly clear. Harm in community behavioral health...
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In North Carolina, a violent patient uprising triggered intensified regulatory scrutiny after investigators cited repeated supervision and safety breakdowns. In Hawaii, a patient who transferred out of state due to bed shortages died by suicide, prompting questions...
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Accreditation outcomes in 2026 are being shaped less by formal reporting structures and more by how leadership systems function in real time.Whether governance sits with a board, an owner, a founder, or a senior leadership group supported by clinical advisors, one...
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In 2026, the most resilient Behavioral Health Centers have moved beyond the cycle of preparing for survey and into the era of “operational insurance.” In an environment defined by staffing constraints and tightening margins, accreditation readiness is no...
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Psychiatric hospital boards are entering a governance environment where how oversight happens matters as much as what is reviewed. In 2026, accreditation risk is no longer confined to policies, audits, or frontline performance. Instead, it increasingly resides at the...
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Behavioral health is growing, and leaders are finding increasingly creative ways to expand. One recent example comes from SUN Behavioral Health’s acquisition of Seaside Healthcare, where a senior executive described the strategy this way: “By combining SUN’s...
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In preparation for upcoming accreditation surveys, many community behavioral health leaders are asking the same question: Will surveys look or feel different from 2025? The answer is —- not dramatically! Your 2026 survey will still follow the traditional Behavioral...
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What to expect from Accreditation 360? It is now fully in effect, completing a multi-year shift in how the Joint Commission evaluates psychiatric hospitals and distinct psychiatric units. While the framework applies across all hospital types, its impact is most...
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As we close 2025, the landscape of behavioral healthcare looks radically different from what it did just twelve months ago. This year, we saw the industry move beyond simple “checklist compliance” toward a model focused on systemic accountability,...
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Equity in behavioral health is now a foundational requirement. For all settings, the most critical compliance actions you can take are: Assign accountability to a senior leader with authority and budget.Stratify your access and engagement data to uncover disparities....
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Health Equity Requirements According to the Joint Commission and CMS, they are no longer a mission statement, they are a non-negotiable operational standard on par with infection control. Our decades of experience show that compliance depends on a structured,...
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Long before “doing more with less” became a leadership cliché, Phillip Crosby, quality guru, known for the concept of Zero Defects and author of the influential book, Quality Is Free, showed that quality doesn’t drain resources — it protects them. Crosby’s classic...
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Organizations face a growing challenge: accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and CARF International require comprehensive behavioral health staff education and competency programs, yet modern adult learners often struggle to retain and apply what...
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Continuity of care is the hospital’s consistent and coordinated provision of services to a patient over time, across different healthcare settings and providers. When done properly, it improves patient outcomes, reduces costs, and increases patient satisfaction....
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Prefer Video? Video (6 min) Prefer a Podcast? Podcast (6 min) In today’s demanding behavioral health care landscape, resilience has evolved from a desirable trait into a core operational competency. For leaders of Community Behavioral Health (CBH) agencies and...
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Closing the Policy-to-Practice Gap In psychiatric hospitals, leadership responsibility extends beyond clinical excellence to include rigorous accreditation and regulatory compliance. Many programs have policies on paper, yet frontline workflows still allow variation,...
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Even with the 2024 rule on hold (see the APA stance below), CBHC leaders have powerful tools to press payers, strengthen contracts, and protect access. Prefer to watch this short video instead of reading? Go to the 6 minutes video version! Parity in Behavioral...
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When working with Behavioral Health Organizations nationwide, one pattern stands out: having the most resources doesn’t drive success, instead it’s by having the strongest leaders. Leadership determines whether staff remain engaged or choose to leave, and...
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Community behavioral health providers face a growing challenge: not just delivering care under resource constraints, but proving its impact. Measuring outcomes has long been standard in physical health—blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol—but in behavioral health,...
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Imagine the scrutiny a facility faces after a patient’s death. When this happens, surveyors cite serious threats to patient safety—including the frequency of checks for patients in seclusion and the safety of the seclusion space—leading to a preliminary denial...
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The integration of AI chatbots into Community Behavioral Health (CBH) and acute psychiatric care offers a powerful opportunity to extend support and ease workforce strain, but it requires careful navigation of significant risks. Key Considerations Benefits: Chatbots...
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Telehealth has moved far beyond its pandemic-era roots. Today, it’s not just an option, it’s a necessity. For community-based behavioral health providers, virtual care has expanded access, reduced no-shows, and brought services to patients who might...
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The U.S. mental health crisis is placing unprecedented strain on emergency departments (EDs). Yet traditional EDs are ill-equipped for patients in acute psychiatric distress—leading to delays in care, increased safety risks, and long boarding times. According to the...
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Accreditation surveys frequently reveal gaps in informed consent procedures and complaint/grievance processes. Such deficiencies can result in citations and threaten the facility’s accredited status. Therefore, proactive assessments, staff training, and ongoing...
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The Joint Commission (TJC) is leading some of the most significant transformations we’ve seen in decades. Their “Accreditation 360” initiative, the most substantial update since 1965, signals a profound shift. It’s designed to ease...
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During The Joint Commission (TJC) surveys, issues with informed consent and how psychiatric hospitals handle patient complaints are among the most common and serious problems found. These issues can lead to findings, increased regulatory scrutiny, and even threaten a...
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Is a new or remodeled building in your future? Before you embark on a behavioral healthcare facility construction plan, there is one step you should take that’s as essential as the architectural drawings – an accreditation and regulatory compliance review!...
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The pace of change from The Joint Commission has accelerated markedly this year. With a wave of new and revised standards introduced in quick succession, These revisions signal a significant transformation in how behavioral health organizations and psychiatric...
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Job loss is more than a financial disruption—it’s a psychological event that can unravel one’s identity, security, and sense of purpose. As layoffs continue to affect industries nationwide, mental wellness after job loss, and the impact on individuals is often...
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With rising operational costs driven by inflation, labor shortages, and global volatile tariffs on healthcare supplies and equipment, psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health providers are under increasing pressure to control spending without compromising...
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Amid persistent workforce shortages and changing demographics in behavioral healthcare, psychiatric hospitals and community-based behavioral health, organizations are reimagining recruitment and retention strategies — targeting and attracting Gen Z talent. Generation...
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In psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health organizations, the stakes for patient safety are uniquely high. Patients/Clients often present with acute psychological distress, suicidal ideation, or co-occurring medical conditions — all within environments...
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When it comes to governing a psychiatric hospital’s medical staff, structure, clarity, and accountability are not just important—they’re required. The Joint Commission (TJC) Standard MS.01.01.01 outlines critical expectations for Medical Staff Bylaws, ensuring...
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Increasingly, care delivery occurs in outpatient environments—Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs), and office-based therapy settings—where clients may be acutely ill, at elevated risk of harm to self or others, and navigating...
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Emergency departments are often the first—and sometimes only—point of access for individuals in psychiatric crises. But when inpatient psychiatric beds, crisis services, or outpatient programs are unavailable, patients may wait in the emergency department (ED) for...
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Building a new healthcare facility or remodeling an existing one—especially in specialized areas like psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health organizations—is an exciting yet complex endeavor. One of the most frequently overlooked aspects is...
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Acquiring another organization is a significant milestone, bringing opportunities for growth, expansion, and enhanced service delivery. But, it also introduces complex challenges, particularly in compliance and regulatory oversight. Ensuring a seamless transition...
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In the ever-evolving field of behavioral healthcare, ensuring effective treatment and positive outcomes for patients is paramount. One of the most reliable ways to achieve this is through evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP is a method hat integrates the best available...
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In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the demand for safe, effective, and reliable care has never been higher—especially in the realm of behavioral health and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Achieving consistently high levels of safety and...
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A CEO transition is a pivotal moment for any psychiatric hospital, behavioral health, or human services organization. In healthcare, this leadership change can ripple through all facets of the institution, including the critical areas of accreditation and regulatory...
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For over 25 years, Barrins & Associates has partnered with psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health and human services providers, guiding them through the complex terrain of accreditation and compliance. With expertise spanning more than 350 organizations...
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Upon completion of a psychiatric hospital or behavioral health and human services Joint Commission survey, organizations receive a final report of findings approximately 10 business days after the survey’s conclusion. This report outlines areas requiring...
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Did you know the Joint Commission updated infection prevention and control requirements? In fact, a fully updated Infection Prevention and Control (IC) chapter will take effect on July 1, 2025 for all Joint Commission–accredited behavioral health and human services...
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On December 18, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the selection of Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina state Medicaid agencies to participate in the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model (IBH). This initiative, which...
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A safe environment is the cornerstone of quality healthcare and is required by CMS, TJC, DNV, CIHQ, and state agencies. To achieve this, psychiatric hospitals must proactively identify and address safety risks, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering a...
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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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