TJC & CMS News Blog
Information for BH Organizations
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
Enhancing Behavioral Health Care: Implementing Measurement-Based Care in Provider Organizations
In the ever-evolving landscape of behavioral health care, there is a growing emphasis on adopting evidence-based practices to improve client outcomes. Implementing Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is one approach that is gaining traction. It involves systematically...
Joint Commission Releases New and Revised Workplace Violence Standards
Starting July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission (TJC) has updated workplace violence prevention standards for all Joint Commission-accredited Behavioral Health Care and Human Services (BHC & HS) organizations. New and Revised Workplace Violence Standards These...
The Evolution of Texting in Healthcare: Ensuring Compliance and Patient Safety
In the fast-paced realm of healthcare, effective communication among healthcare team members is essential to quality patient care. The advent of technology, particularly texting, has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals communicate. However, with innovation...
The Crucial Role of Safety Culture in Behavioral Healthcare Organizations
In the realm of healthcare, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients/clients is paramount. However, when it comes to behavioral health, where vulnerabilities may be more complex and nuanced, cultivating a culture of safety becomes even more critical. The Joint...
Joint Commission Posts Field Review for Proposed Restraint and Seclusion Requirements
The Joint Commission is proposing changes to the restraint, seclusion, and physical holding standards in the Behavioral Health Care and Human Services standards manual. The proposed rewrite aims to increase clarity and reduce duplicative requirements by streamlining...
Strengthening Oversight of Healthcare Accreditation: A Proposed Rule by CMS
In an ongoing effort to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in healthcare facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed significant changes to enhance its oversight of...
Ensuring Patient Rights: Understanding Healthcare Organization Complaint Resolution Processes
In any healthcare system, the rights and responsibilities of patients/clients and their families are vital. One critical aspect of this is the ability to voice concerns and have them addressed in a timely and effective manner. The Joint Commission Hospital and...
Joint Commission Releases New and Revised Infection Prevention & Control Requirements
As of July 1, 2024, Joint Commission Accredited Psychiatric Hospitals accredited under the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, must comply with new and revised infection prevention and control requirements. This overhaul involves a comprehensive rewrite...
CMS Releases 15 Most Common Hospital Citations for 2023
In 2023, the healthcare industry witnessed a considerable number of citations issued to hospitals across the United States. According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a total of 4,980 citations were delivered to hospitals during the...
Joint Commission Accreditation: New and Revised Workplace Violence Prevention Requirements
Starting July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission approved a set of fresh and updated workplace violence prevention criteria, applicable to all Behavioral Health Care and Human Services (BHC & HS) organizations accredited by the Joint Commission. Three new and one...