Another email question asked whether there were any specific Joint Commission education requirements for the folks who conduct quarterly fire drills. The short answer to that question is no, TJC does not require any specific education for the folks conducting the fire drills.
If a hospital decides that patients, under certain circumstances, are permitted to smoke, what steps must the hospital take to ensure that it remains compliant?
A new study finds a patient safety measure that nurses and patients alike agree improves care: Involving patients in the handoff process when nurses change shifts.
I don’t hear too many stories like this anymore, but I can tell you, as a former manager of security services at a hospital, this is one that really gives me pause.
One of the major changes the final omnibus rule places on providers and business associates is the presumption that any unauthorized use or disclosure of unsecured protected health information (PHI) is a "breach." Specifically, the omnibus rule states that:
"… an...
Briefings on Accreditation & Quality - Volume 24, Issue 12
The Joint Commission has just left your hospital. First, make sure to celebrate the conclusion of the survey. Although the organization likely has RFIs, the number of RFIs is hopefully dwarfed by the areas in which your hospital has demonstrated full compliance. Communicate the conclusion of the...
Briefings on Accreditation & Quality - Volume 24, Issue 12
Every fall, The Joint Commission announces the top 20 most-cited standards among its accredited hospitals in conjunction with the annual Hospital Executive Briefings events. As has become a theme in the most-cited standards list over the past several years, clinical-based findings have continued...