TJC & CMS News Blog Information
for Hospitals and Behavioral Healthcare
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
The Evolution of Texting in Healthcare: Ensuring Compliance and Patient Safety
In the fast-paced realm of healthcare, effective communication among healthcare team members is essential to quality patient care. The advent of technology, particularly texting, has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals communicate. However, with innovation...
The Crucial Role of Safety Culture in Behavioral Healthcare Organizations
In the realm of healthcare, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients/clients is paramount. However, when it comes to behavioral health, where vulnerabilities may be more complex and nuanced, cultivating a culture of safety becomes even more critical. The Joint...
Joint Commission Posts Field Review for Proposed Restraint and Seclusion Requirements
The Joint Commission is proposing changes to the restraint, seclusion, and physical holding standards in the Behavioral Health Care and Human Services standards manual. The proposed rewrite aims to increase clarity and reduce duplicative requirements by streamlining...
Strengthening Oversight of Healthcare Accreditation: A Proposed Rule by CMS
In an ongoing effort to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in healthcare facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed significant changes to enhance its oversight of...
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...
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 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...