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...
We know that measuring healthcare quality helps healthcare systems improve. But we could and should be doing it a lot better. Click the link above to read more.
AHAP’s own Jodi Eisenberg was recently interviewed on the changing world of accreditation. AHAP has been given permission to reprint the contents of that Q and A. Click the link above to read more.
During a recent Joint Commission survey, a question was raised regarding the “length” of nurse call cords (it appears that the surveyor indicated that the end of the cord should be an inch above the finished floor). Click the link above to read more.
The Joint Commission has released its 2013 annual report on quality and safety, which also recognizes 1,099 hospitals as “top performer” organizations. The report provides a summary of 3,300 Joint Commission-accredited hospitals on 47 accountability measures of evidence-based care processes....
Recently, ECRI unveiled its list of the Top 10 Healthcare Technology Hazards. And strangely enough, there is at least a couple that I think you will find oh-so-very familiar. Click the link above to read more.
True or False: When taking a verbal order, it is essential to read back the order to the provider who gave the verbal order to ensure accuracy. This step should be taken BEFORE the order is carried out.