TJC & CMS News Blog
Information for BH Organizations
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
Joint Commission Contract Services Requirements
The Joint Commission’s contract services requirements have been around for a while. However, survey findings in this area still occur frequently as we saw throughout 2022. So, we thought a brief refresher on this topic might be helpful. Evaluating Contract Services: A...
Joint Commission Health Care Equity Now a National Patient Safety Goal
The Joint Commission health care equity standard will become a National Patient Safety Goal effective July 1, 2023. So, why the change from standard to National Patient Safety Goal? Clearly, TJC is emphasizing the importance of health care equity as a quality and...
Joint Commission 2023 Standards: What’s New?
The New Year has arrived! So, are you all squared away with the Joint Commission 2023 standards that are effective 1/1/23? Now’s the time for a final check to be sure you’re fully compliant with the new 2023 requirements. Experience tells us when a new year kicks in,...
Joint Commission Licensed Practitioner Evaluation: Change in Timeframe
Heads up! The Joint Commission licensed practitioner evaluation timeframe has changed. The previous timeframe was every two years. Effective February 19, 2023, it will be every three years. This change applies to organizations TJC accredits under the Hospital...
Joint Commission Sentinel Event Definition Revised
Effective January 1, 2023, there will be a revised Joint Commission Sentinel Event definition. Specifically, TJC is revising the definition of sexual abuse/assault within the Sentinel Event Policy. Current Joint Commission Sentinel Event Definition The current...
Joint Commission Safety Briefing: New in 2023
Get ready for the new Joint Commission Safety Briefing that becomes a part of the survey agenda in January 2023. This briefing will be a requirement for all accreditation programs, including Hospital and Behavioral Health Care & Human Services. Joint Commission...
Joint Commission Health Care Equity Requirements
The new Joint Commission health care equity requirements go into effect January 1, 2023. This promises to be a major Joint Commission focus area. Rightfully so, since research shows disparities in access to health care and disparities in quality of care persist in our...
Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation Update
Leaders of TJC’s Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation Program recently conducted a webinar for the Consultants Forum. They provided an informative update on survey scheduling and other Behavioral Healthcare Accreditation activities. We’re sharing the highlights with...
Joint Commission Sentinel Event Data on Suicides
Behavioral healthcare organizations nationwide continue to work diligently on implementing TJC’s National Patient Safety Goal on Suicide Prevention. The latest Joint Commission sentinel event data (including suicides) recently became available. So, now is an opportune...
Joint Commission Orientation Requirements
Meeting the Joint Commission’s orientation requirements is critical for a successful survey. Surveyors review your orientation process and related documentation during the Human Resources/Competence Assessment session. Thus, it’s...