TJC & CMS News Blog
Information for BH Organizations
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
NPSG 15 Suicide Risk Reduction: Feedback from the Field
It’s now been seven months since the new requirements for NPSG 15 on Suicide Risk Reduction took effect on July 1st. So, how is this important topic playing out on surveys? First, we know surveyors are closely scrutinizing each of the seven elements of performance...
TJC Standards Update: New Requirements for Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Heads up! Does your behavioral health organization/program provide treatment for substance use disorders? If so, you’ll need to address new TJC standards going into effect on July 1, 2020. TJC Standards: Behavioral Health Care Manual TJC accredits opioid treatment...
TJC Tracer Update: Focus on Dietary Services
Ready for the new focus area that’s now a part of Joint Commission surveys? It’s the Dietary Tracer. TJC now includes a Dietary Tracer on all triennial surveys of hospitals (including psychiatric hospitals) that use Joint Commission accreditation for deemed status....
NPSG.15.01.01 Suicide Risk Reduction: Monitoring High Risk Patients
Have you seen the latest FAQ from TJC on NPSG.15.01.01 – Suicide Risk Reduction? It’s about monitoring patients at high risk of suicide. Important information for everyone grappling with the new requirements effective 7/1/19 …
Unannounced Surveys: Are You Prepared for an “Early Survey?”
Heads Up! Recently, several of our clients had their unannounced TJC surveys earlier than they anticipated. That includes both psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health organizations. So, is this a trend? Hard to tell but best to be prepared in case you encounter...
SAFER Matrix: A Closer Look at Scoring
TJC’s SAFER matrix has been around since January 2017. Feedback from the field has been very positive. At the same time, clients often ask just how surveyors make decisions about scoring on the matrix. So, let’s take a closer look at that. SAFER Matrix Decisions TJC...
NPSG.15.01.01 Suicide Risk Reduction: Safety Planning at Discharge
Has your organization addressed the new NPSG.15.01.01.01 requirement for counseling and follow-up care at discharge? It went into effect July 1st. Interestingly, we find many clients focusing on the suicide risk assessment component but paying little attention to this...
TJC System Tracer on Data Management: Survey Management Strategies
Fifth in our series on TJC Survey Management Strategies You’re coming down the home stretch of your survey. Now it’s time for the TJC System Tracer on Data Management. So, what’s this tracer all about these days? And how best to prepare? Let’s take a look at the...
NPSG.15.01.01 Suicide Risk Reduction: Feedback from Surveys
Be prepared! TJC’s new requirements for the National Patient Safety Goal on Suicide Risk Reduction (NPSG.15.01.01) officially went into effect July 1st. As anticipated, surveyors are closely evaluating compliance with the seven new requirements. We analyzed our...
TJC Survey Outcomes: 2019 Trends
How do your TJC survey outcomes compare with other behavioral health organizations? Check out this recent TJC data to see how you stack up.