Barrins Bulletin
May 2024
Greetings to Our Colleagues in Behavioral Health!
May has long been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for support and understanding. This heightened awareness has spurred attention and catalyzed action towards enhancing mental health services nationwide. Technological advancements in mental health treatment have continued to expand; offering innovative digital platforms and applications designed to increase accessible personalized mental health care in real time.
There has been a resurgence in pressure on companies to promote work-life balance, offer mental health resources, and foster a supportive workplace culture. The focus on youth mental health has intensified. Schools, parents, legislatures, and mental health advocates have collaborated to implement early intervention programs, promote mental health literacy, limit exposure to the potential toxic effects of social media, and create safe spaces for young people to seek support.
As mental health professionals, we bear the responsibility of perpetuating public awareness of these critical issues indefinitely. Persistent advocacy for advancements in behavioral health early intervention, treatment, and technology is essential. As we progress, let us maintain our dedication to the well-being and resilience of all individuals.
This month, we broaden our perspectives by exploring subjects crucial to Accreditors, CMS, Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Community Behavioral Health, and Human Services providers.
We appreciate your input on the newsletter. Please take a moment to share your comments and let us know your thoughts. Additionally, we welcome suggestions for topics you would like to see covered in future issues. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you! Don’t hesitate to forward this newsletter to your colleagues; their insights are invaluable to us as well.
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 and address the complexities of mental health conditions and substance abuse, AI emerges as a transformative tool offering unprecedented insights, personalized interventions, and enhanced care delivery.
From diagnosis to treatment and ongoing support, here’s how AI is revolutionizing behavioral healthcare…
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 patient information while providing specialized mental health and substance abuse services. Consequently, optimizing electronic health records becomes paramount for meeting the unique requirements of this important health care space…
Congratulations to Albert J. Solnit’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) for a successful initial Joint Commission survey! The PRTFs include three female adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility cottages on the South Campus and one male facility on the North Campus.
The Solnit Center is part of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) which provides comprehensive care to children and adolescents with mental illness and related behavioral and emotional problems. They partner with children, families, and communities to build hope and create opportunities. For more information about the Albert J. Solnit Center please visit their websites at Solnit – South and Solnit – North.
We welcome GB Cooley Hospital Service District, DBA: GBC Behavioral Health Services! They are preparing for an initial Joint Commission deemed hospital survey for their new adolescent psychiatric hospital. Located in Monroe, LA, this psychiatric hospital provides multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment mental health services to individuals requiring the safety, security, and shelter of the inpatient or partial hospitalization settings.
To learn more about GBC Behavioral Health Services, please visit their website.
Barrins & Associates provides regulatory and accreditation consulting services for the Behavioral Healthcare industry, including psychiatric hospitals and freestanding Behavioral Healthcare organizations. We specialize in providing Survey Preparation and Continuous Survey Readiness services to help you provide safe and compliant care.
We were founded by Anne Barrins, former Joint Commission surveyor, and are succeeded by Julia Finken, former Joint Commission 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.
- Revolutionizing Behavioral Healthcare: Does AI Have a Vital Role in High Quality Care, Treatment, and Services?
- Navigating Compliance: Optimizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for Psychiatric Hospitals and Community Behavioral Health Providers
- Preventable Patient Harm
- Congratulations Corner
- Welcome New Client
Are You Ready for Survey?
We can assist you to achieve and sustain accreditation and regulatory compliance in adherence to the TJC, DNV, CHIQ, ACHC, CARF, COA, and CMS standards for psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health and human services providers.
Contact Us today to inquire about our consulting services. We continue to support your journey toward accreditation and regulatory compliance.
888-742-4621 x 702
Why Choose Us
“We are so appreciative of the opportunity to work with the Barrins consultants! Having been through various mock surveys over the years that only increased stress upon staff and were counterproductive to actual quality, I find myself saying on many occasions that the reason the surveys in which we engage with Barrins & Associates are so effective is absolutely all about our surveyors. Their collaborative approach makes for a truly interactive process while their unyielding commitment to the integrity of the survey and accountability to sound patient care helps us remain aware of our ultimate responsibility to those whom we serve. I know I speak for my entire team when I say that we ourselves enjoyed our time last week as well!”
A. Elaine Crnkovic, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Appalachian Behavioral Healthcare
Why Choose Us
“Our survey went splendidly and our Barrins consultation prepared us very well, so thank you again.”
Michael Rulnick, MPA
Superintendent Connecticut Children & Families
Albert J. Solnit PRTFs
TIP OF THE MONTH
An important accreditation tip for psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health providers is to establish a robust Performance Improvement (PI) program that is integrated into all aspects of organizational operations.
Implementing a PI program involves continuously monitoring clinical processes, outcomes, and patient satisfaction metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based interventions.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care, which is essential for achieving and maintaining accreditation standards.
Additionally, engaging staff at all levels in PI initiatives promotes accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence in care delivery.