Barrins Bulletin
April 2026
Greetings to Our Colleagues in Behavioral Health!
Dear Readers,
Spring brings a season of growth and renewal—and across behavioral health, transformation is well underway. Psychiatric hospitals are evolving from primary entry points to high-acuity stabilization hubs within a coordinated care continuum, while community behavioral health organizations are expanding their roles in crisis response, care coordination, and long-term engagement.
Regulators and accreditors are reinforcing this shift, emphasizing integrated systems, stronger care transitions, and measurable outcomes across settings.
In this edition, we explore the emerging models reshaping patient flow, the growing importance of outcome measurement, and what coordinated behavioral health systems mean for operational and regulatory readiness.
As risk and opportunity increasingly lie between points of care, success will depend on how well organizations strengthen partnerships, align with evolving expectations, and deliver connected, high-quality care across the continuum.
Best Regards,
Julia Finken
RN, BSN, MHA, CPHQ, LCSSMBB
Executive Vice President
The rules have changed—and psychiatric hospitals now need a partner that deeply understands and can navigate the full scope of Accreditation 360 readiness.
Barrins & Associates is that partner.
Healthcare organizations continue to navigate changing accreditation and regulatory expectations. During times of transition, having access to experienced, practical support can make all the difference.
At Barrins & Associates and Patton Healthcare Consulting, we remain focused on delivering knowledgeable, responsive support to organizations navigating today’s complex regulatory landscape.
This month, we’re pleased to welcome Laurie Farmer, MSN, RN, Principal Consultant and David Major, PE, CHC, CHFM, Consultant to our consulting team—further expanding the depth and breadth of expertise available to the organizations we serve.
We also extend our appreciation to Yvonne Rockwood for her many contributions and dedicated service. We thank her for the expertise and leadership she shared with our team and clients, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.
Please join us in welcoming Laurie and David, and in thanking Yvonne for all she has contributed.
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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…
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…
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…
Joint Commission (JC)
UNIFY 2026 is coming September 30th through October 6th. This conference brings together healthcare leaders from across the ecosystem to tackle shared challenges, exchange leading practices, and advance patient-centered strategies that improve quality and performance. This conference offers a trusted environment to learn from high-performing organizations, gain new perspectives, and explore practical approaches to care delivery. Attendees will engage with industry leaders, examine proven strategies for measurable improvement, and strengthen alignment between operations and patient outcomes.
CMS
New QSO memo detailing how CMS and accreditors should function when an organization loses deemed status. CMS recommends that the accreditor not conduct an accreditation survey during this time, however CMS advises that accreditors could continue ISO surveys or certification surveys that don’t have deemed status recognition.
DNV
Their March monthly healthcare update was posted to their LinkedIn site and discusses the upcoming Healthcare Symposium in Nashville April 21-23. This educational program will be held a second time in Denver on July 21-23. Take a look at their DNV Health Hub LinkedIn newsletter for additional details.
CARF
The 2026 CARF standards introduce a new expectation for organizations utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of established policies and documented procedures to guide appropriate implementation and ensure alignment with the updated requirements.
COA
Social Current opposed a proposed requirement that would mandate new certifications for organizations registering in the System for Award Management, citing concerns about vague and complex language. They argue the lack of clear definitions and guidance could create compliance risks for nonprofits and government entities. The proposal, which could broadly impact federal grantees, is expected to move to the Office of Management and Budget for review.
EMPATH CONFERENCE
Annual EmPATH Summit & Conference May 12–13, 2026
This conference is a dedicated event focused on transforming psychiatric emergency care using the EmPATH model. Registration is open.
For background on EmPATH and similar units, read our article: EmPATH Units: Redefining Emergency Psychiatric Care
ILSM Standard
The ILSM standard now resides at PE.03.02.01, EP 1 and requires hospitals to have a written policy indicating which interim life safety measures will be implemented during periods when NFPA life safety code is not met, and during periods of construction. EPs 2-14 then detail some potential implementation options you might use to provide comparable safety until code.
Barrins & Associates provides regulatory and accreditation consulting services for the Behavioral Healthcare industry, including psychiatric hospitals and freestanding BH organizations. We specialize in providing survey preparation and continuous survey readiness services to help you provide safe and compliant care.
Founded in 1999 by Anne Barrins, former Joint Commission (JC) surveyor and succeeded by Julia Finken, former JC surveyor, Associate Director of Business Development for the Home Care Program, and Executive Director of Business Development for the Behavioral Health Care and Psychiatric Hospital Programs and Yvonne Rockwood, former Regional Associate Director for the Eastern Business Development Division at the JC for Community Behavioral Health Care Services.
In this Issue
- Behavioral Health Performance Management in Community Care
- Five Emerging Psychiatric Care Models: Shifting the “Front Door” of Behavioral Health
- Measuring Behavioral Health Outcomes: What CCBHCs Need to Know
- Accreditor Insights & Updates: JC, CMS, DNV, CARF, COA
- EmPATH Conference
- Tip of the Month: ILSM Standard
Congratulations Corner
We applaud our clients who have recently and successfully completed their accreditation or regulatory survey. The achievement of such indicates an aptitude for quality and safety of care. Congratulations to your organization and staff!
SUN Behavioral Columbus
Why Choose Us?
“We want to express our sincere appreciation for the outstanding work and impact you have made as a consultant for us at SHW. The feedback I have received from staff after each of your sessions has been glowing. Staff really appreciate your exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts in a way that is clear, collaborative, and (most importantly) how they are genuinely achievable for staff.
Your approach grows confidence in the team, encourages meaningful dialogue both during the consulting sessions and it often continues well after the session is over, and ensures that everyone feels supported and empowered to apply what they have learned. Your professionalism, insight, and dedication have made a significant and lasting impression on our team, and it is evident that your contributions extend far beyond the sessions themselves. Please know that your guidance and thoughtful feedback are deeply valued, and we are truly grateful for your partnership and the expertise you bring. Your supervisor should be proud of the tremendous value you provide, and we look forward to continuing to benefit from your remarkable support and leadership.”
Cyndee Waterhouse
Director of Performance Improvement
Idaho Dept Health and Welfare State Hospital West
Welcome New Clients
Barrins & Associates welcomes the following new clients:
Texas Behavioral Health Center
Are You Survey Ready?
We can assist you to achieve and sustain accreditation and regulatory compliance in adherence to the JC, DNV, CHIQ, ACHC, CARF, COA, QUAD-A, and CMS, standards for psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health and human services providers. Inquire today about our consulting services. We continue to support your journey toward accreditation and regulatory compliance.
Inquire today about our consulting services.
We continue to support your journey toward accreditation and regulatory compliance.
888-742-4621 x 702
