TJC & CMS News Blog
Information for BH Organizations
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
The Vital Role of a High-Performing Governing Board in Healthcare Success
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...
Staff Effectiveness: A Contributing Factor of Patient/Client Safety Incidents
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...
The Joint Commission Updated Restraint and Seclusion Requirements
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...
Joint Commission Releases New Medications for Opioid Use Requirements
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....
Accreditor Updates
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...
Joint Commission Launches New Telehealth Accreditation Program
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 the...
Tips for Selecting an Electronic Health Record
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...
Revolutionizing Behavioral Healthcare: Does AI Have a Vital Role in High Quality Care, Treatment and Services?
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...
Navigating Compliance: Optimizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for Psychiatric Hospitals and Community Behavioral Health Providers
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...
Preventable Patient Harm
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 decades of...