What Is the Joint Commission?
The Joint Commission follows an evaluation process that healthcare organizations follow to comply with a set of performance standards focused on quality care and safety. This is a non-profit organization for healthcare organizations, including behavioral health treatment facilities, in the United States. They are governed by a Board of Commissioners made up of physicians, nurses, administrators, educators, quality experts, and consumer advocates.
What Does the Joint Commission Do?
The Joint Commission provides the highest set of performance standards for quality and safety for healthcare organizations in the United States. Any healthcare organizations seeking the accreditation undergo an on-site survey conducted by TJC surveyors, consisting of a review of procedures, performance data, and even observation of daily operations.
In addition to the accreditation, TJC provides tools and resources to help organizations improve their quality and safety. Initiatives like the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) help reduce common risks in healthcare. Continuing educational resources and training are available to healthcare professionals, such as the therapists and other healthcare professionals working for Behavioral Health Centers.
Joint Commission Standards
The Joint Commission uses a set of standards that serve as guidelines to maintain or achieve accreditation. These standards are designed to help healthcare organizations promote safety and high-quality, effective care for all patients. Behavioral Health Centers patients are assured that our rehab centers follow strict compliance to maintain accreditation that ensures top quality care throughout all of our programs.
The key components that make up the Joint Commission standards are:
- Patient rights and ethics
- Environment of care
- Leadership
- Provision of care, treatment, and services
- Performance improvement
- Infection prevention and control
- Medication management
- Information management
- Workforce standards
- Emergency management
When joining a treatment program for mental health or addiction at Behavioral Health Centers, patients receive care that focuses on compliance with this set of standards.
What This Means for Patients
The Joint Commission Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) promotes a patient-centered healthcare system. The priority of the accreditation and its set of standards focuses on patient quality care and patient safety. It also protects patient rights, enhances communication amongst healthcare providers and patients, reduces healthcare disparities, provides care transparency, and advocates for patient-centered care.
Accredited organizations help patients choose providers who have proven quality and safety records. TJC encourages facilities like Behavioral Health Centers to track and share performance metrics, maintaining their accountability when it comes to patient care. Accredited organizations are also encouraged to provide equitable care to patients, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
If you are in need of treatment or have questions regarding Behavioral Health Centers accreditation status, call us today at 855-299-4472.