TJC & CMS News Blog Information
for Hospitals and Behavioral Healthcare
To read articles written prior to January 2015, please view our Newsletter Archive.
Revolutionizing Behavioral Healthcare: Does AI Have a Vital Role in High Quality Care, Treatment and Services?
In the ever-evolving landscape of psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health care, one of the most promising advancements lies in the role of AI in healthcare, specifically through its integration into behavioral health services. As we continue to recognize...
Navigating Compliance: Optimizing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for Psychiatric Hospitals and Community Behavioral Health Providers
In the realm of psychiatric hospitals and community behavioral health providers, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) play a pivotal role in delivering quality care while ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards. These facilities handle sensitive...
Preventable Patient Harm
The National Quality Forum (NQF), an affiliate of the Joint Commission, has launched a groundbreaking initiative called "Focus on HARM" to combat the persistently high rates of avoidable medical errors and preventable patient harm in healthcare. Despite decades of...
Joint Commission Releases New and Revised Workplace Violence Standards
Starting July 1, 2024, The Joint Commission (TJC) has updated workplace violence prevention standards for all Joint Commission-accredited Behavioral Health Care and Human Services (BHC & HS) organizations. New and Revised Workplace Violence Standards These...
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...