TJC & CMS News Blog
Information for BH Organizations
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
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...
Joint Commission and SAMHSA: Navigating the Revised Requirements for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
Joint Commission launched its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) accreditation program on July 1, 2023. Recently, the Joint Commission approved a set of new and revised CCBHC requirements specifically designed for organizations selecting the CCBHC...
Joint Commission Accreditation: Insights into ORYX 2024 for Freestanding Psychiatric Hospitals
In a significant development, The Joint Commission has implemented updates to the 2024 ORYX Performance Measures reporting requirements, effective as of January 1, 2024. These changes are applicable to critical access hospitals, acute care hospitals, and freestanding...
Updates to TJC’s Definition of Sentinel Events Involving Suicide
Joint Commission has made significant changes to their definition of a sentinel event related to suicide. These changes, set to take effect on January 1, 2024, have surprised organizations because TJC typically provides a generous six-month notice for alterations to...
Joint Commission Accreditation: New Eligibility Requirements for Opioid Treatment Programs
Winter is here! Are you aware that The Joint Commission has recently revised its accreditation eligibility criteria for opioid treatment programs (OTPs)? This update holds significant importance for both Hospitals and Behavioral Health Care organizations with OTP...
Tackling the Challenge of Non-Attendance at Group Therapy
Non-attendance of treatment groups is a common phenomenon in mental health care settings, and it can have negative consequences for both the individuals served and the service provider. According to some studies, non-attendance can lead to financial costs for the...
Joint Commission Insight: Addressing Top Physical Environment Challenges in Behavioral Health Care Organizations
In the realm of Behavioral Health Care (BHC) organizations, creating a safe and supportive environment is paramount. However, several physical environment challenges pose challenges that demand careful attention and mitigation strategies to ensure the well-being of...