TJC & CMS News Blog Information
for Hospitals and Behavioral Healthcare
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
Clarifying Joint Commission Requirements: Highlighting Patient Impact in Evidence of Standards Compliance
Upon completion of a psychiatric hospital or behavioral health and human services Joint Commission survey, organizations receive a final report of findings approximately 10 business days after the survey's conclusion. This report outlines areas requiring improvement...
Joint Commission: New & Revised Infection Prevention & Control Requirements for Behavioral Health and Human Services Providers
Did you know the Joint Commission updated infection prevention and control requirements? In fact, a fully updated Infection Prevention and Control (IC) chapter will take effect on July 1, 2025 for all Joint Commission–accredited behavioral health and human services...
Innovation in Behavioral Health Model (IBH): How the IBH Model Differs from the BHH and CCBHC Approaches
On December 18, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the selection of Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina state Medicaid agencies to participate in the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model (IBH). This initiative, which...
Promoting Safety Through Environment of Care Rounding in Psychiatric Hospitals
A safe environment is the cornerstone of quality healthcare and is required by CMS, TJC, DNV, CIHQ, and state agencies. To achieve this, psychiatric hospitals must proactively identify and address safety risks, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering a...
Prepared and Safe: Effective Disaster Response for Behavioral Health Care Settings
The Joint Commission recently published Sentinel Event Alert #69 “Environmental disasters: Preparing to safely evacuate or shelter in place,” emphasizing the need for U.S. healthcare facilities to prepare for environmental disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and...
42 CFR Part 2: New Rules Every SUD Provider Should Know
Recent changes to 42 CFR Part 2 were finalized in February 2024 and align the confidentiality regulations for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) records with HIPAA and the HITECH Act. These changes focus on improving care coordination and reducing regulatory burdens for...
The Joint Commission: Encouraging Staff to Report Near Misses in Behavioral Health Settings
In behavioral health settings, reporting near misses is a cornerstone of fostering a culture of safety. Near misses—incidents that could have resulted in harm but did not—are crucial learning opportunities that help prevent future adverse events. The Joint Commission...
Safeguarding Behavioral Health Care: The Power of FMEA
In any healthcare setting, particularly in psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health care environments, identifying and mitigating risks before they lead to adverse outcomes is crucial. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a proactive risk...
De-escalation, A Key Tool for Reducing Workplace Violence in Behavioral Health Settings
Workplace violence (WPV) in psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health centers remains a significant concern. According to The Joint Commission’s recent EC News and Quick Safety articles, implementing de-escalation techniques plays a critical role in...
Creative Strategies for Reducing Youth Suicide: Building Hope and Resilience
Youth suicide is a heartbreaking reality that communities around the world grapple with. However, there is hope. By employing creative and compassionate strategies for reducing youth suicide, we can create environments that foster resilience, support mental health,...