TJC & CMS News Blog Information
for Hospitals and Behavioral Healthcare
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
CMS Immediate Jeopardy: Revised Guidelines for Surveyors
Are you up to speed on how CMS is instructing its surveyors to cite Immediate Jeopardy? Effective March 5, 2019, CMS revised its surveyor guidelines for citing cases of Immediate Jeopardy …
Pain Management: New Requirements in TJC Behavioral Health Standards
Is your organization surveyed under The Joint Commissionâs Behavioral Health Care standards? If so, be aware of new requirements effective July 1, 2019 related to pain assessment and pain management. First, letâs review the current requirements and then take a look at the new ones coming in July.
Ligature Risks: New FAQs from TJC
Have you seen The Joint Commission’s latest FAQs on ligature risks? In January, TJC published three new FAQs on this topic. One is particularly noteworthy since it involves somewhat of an easing of TJC’s original position. So, let’s cover that one first. Ligature...
Culture of Safety: Now Part of your TJC Survey
Wondering how The Joint Commission’s emphasis on a culture of safety will impact your survey? We’re getting feedback on recent surveys and it’s clear this is a top priority for TJC.
TJC Survey Outcomes: Update on 2018 Trends
How do your TJC survey results compare with other behavioral health hospitals? Check out this data on 2018 survey outcomes to see how you stack up.
Treatment Planning in Behavioral Healthcare: Survey Challenges
“Oh, no! The surveyors cited us again for treatment planning.” It’s an all-too-common refrain following a Joint Commission or CMS survey. Sure, it's frustrating and, yes, there is surveyor variability. But if you tackle the the most common pitfalls, you'll definitely...
National Patient Safety Goal NPSG.15.01.01: Q&A on New Requirements
Is your organization ready for the revised NPSG.15.01.01 effective July 1, 2019? There are new and expanded requirements you’ll need to address.
SAFER Matrix: Update for Psychiatric Hospitals and BH Organizations
The Joint Commission’s SAFER matrix – that colorful grid displaying survey findings – we’ve all become accustomed to it. But how does it impact the survey process? And how is the scoring shaking out for psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health organizations? Let’s take a look.
Suicides in Hospitals: New Study Provides Data
Important data on suicides in hospitals now available! Read about the study and how TJC will move on its suicide reduction initiative in 2019.
CMS Complaint Survey Results on New Website
Be aware! CMS complaint survey results are now posted on their new website. CMS communicated this in their memo QSO-19-01 on October 4th. This means if CMS conducts a complaint survey at an accredited hospital, they will post their official report of findings (the “2567” report) on this website …