TJC & CMS News Blog
Information for BH Organizations
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
Transforming Care Delivery: The Path to High Reliability in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
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...
The Crucial Role of Accreditation and Regulatory Support After a CEO Transition
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...
The Hidden Value of Compliance Services: Why Investing in Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance is Essential for Behavioral Health Organizations
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...
Clarifying Joint Commission Requirements: Highlighting Patient Impact in Evidence of Standards Compliance
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 improvement...
Joint Commission: New & Revised Infection Prevention & Control Requirements for Behavioral Health and Human Services Providers
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...
Innovation in Behavioral Health Model (IBH): How the IBH Model Differs from the BHH and CCBHC Approaches
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...
Promoting Safety Through Environment of Care Rounding in Psychiatric Hospitals
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...
Prepared and Safe: Effective Disaster Response for Behavioral Health Care Settings
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...
42 CFR Part 2: New Rules Every SUD Provider Should Know
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...
The Joint Commission: Encouraging Staff to Report Near Misses in Behavioral Health Settings
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...