TJC & CMS News Blog Information
for Hospitals and Behavioral Healthcare
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
Supporting the Completion and Implementation of Psychiatric Advance Directives
Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) have emerged as essential tools in mental health care. They empower individuals with mental health conditions to maintain autonomy and ensure their treatment preferences are respected during crises. As these directives gain...
Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Consultant in New Healthcare Builds
When embarking on the journey of constructing a new healthcare facility, the stakes are incredibly high. The success of the project not only depends on the architectural and construction teams but also on a seamless alignment with accreditation and regulatory...
Healthcare Competency Assessments: How to Make Them Engaging and Enjoyable
Assessing staff competencies in psychiatric hospitals and Behavioral Health Care & Human Services organizations is essential for ensuring quality patient care and maintaining high standards across the board. However, the traditional methods of evaluation can often...
Inpatient Psychiatric Prospective Payment System
In 1999, a significant change in the landscape of mental health care payments was set in motion by Section 124 of the Balanced Budget Refinement Act (BBRA). This legislation mandated the creation of a per diem Prospective Payment System to standardize payments for...
The Vital Role of a High-Performing Governing Board in Healthcare Success
In the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of the board or governing body is more critical than ever. These boards are the strategic stewards of healthcare organizations, tasked with ensuring that healthcare organizations not only survive...
Staff Effectiveness: A Contributing Factor of Patient/Client Safety Incidents
All the Psychiatric Hospital and Community Behavioral Health & Human Resources program accreditors and regulators require the investigation of patient/client safety events. If there is an incident, staff effectiveness is one element that is crucial to assess. This...
Joint Commission Releases New Medications for Opioid Use Requirements
The Joint Commission recently released new requirements for Behavioral Health and Human Services organizations treating Opioid Use Disorder. Opioid use and its associated consequences, such as overdose, represent a significant health care issue in the United States....
Accreditor Updates
Did you know a federal jury in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida has convicted Gail Russ, Cassandre Jean, and Vilaire Duroseau of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in a fraudulent nursing diploma scheme. These individuals were part of a larger...
Joint Commission Launches New Telehealth Accreditation Program
The Joint Commission (TJC) is launching a new Telehealth accreditation program (TEL) effective July 1, 2024 designed for health care organizations that provide care through telehealth or offer telehealth services to another organization's patients. Recognizing the...
Tips for Selecting an Electronic Health Record
In our May 8, 2024 Blog, we discussed strategies for optimizing electronic health records (EHRs) specifically for psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health providers. As a follow-up, this blog focuses on the essential factors to consider when selecting an...