BHC Update
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By:
Pamela Schumacher
A blog for and about The Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program
May 17, 2013 |
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It may seem like putting the cart before the horse, but if you’re planning on taking advantage of The Joint Commission’s new Behavioral Health Home certification, now is the perfect time to start working to get state recognition of this new option – before January 1, 2014 when the option becomes available. The Joint Commission is already working to see that state authorities recognize the new option for purposes of licensure or certification, according to Jennifer Hoppe, M.P.H., senior associate director, State and External Relations.
“We sent a letter earlier this year to all state Medicaid agencies alerting them that The Joint Commission is developing a new certification option for behavioral health homes. We are asking them to consider The Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health Home Certification as a means of demonstrating compliance with any regulations they develop,” says Hoppe. “In addition, if any of our behavioral health care providers are working with state authorities, we are happy to partner with them by offering support and technical information on this topic.”
For more information, send an email to BHC@jointcommission.org or call 630-792-5411. We’d be glad to help you!
Apr 22, 2013 |
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The Joint Commission is developing an optional Behavioral Health Home (BHH) certification for organizations already accredited under our Behavioral Health Care program. Behavioral health homes integrate physical health care services with behavioral health care. This in turn, can go a long way towards improving the quality of life for the individuals served by these homes. As some of our behavioral health care folks say, “It’s the right thing to do.” We are excited about this new certification product and we hope you will give us your feedback on the draft requirements. The field review is open through May 24, 2013.
Jan 24, 2012 |
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In this tough economic climate, many behavioral health care programs are facing serious funding challenges. What alternative funding ideas and opportunities have you explored? Do your strategies include partnering with other agencies to improve funding or reduce spending? We would love to hear from you.
Sep 13, 2011 |
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This summer has seen volatile weather and extreme conditions. Many of you have coped with everything from flooding in South Dakota and Nebraska, to tornadoes and wildfires throughout the country. Have you put your emergency management plan into effect ? How has it worked? How did you communicate with the individuals you serve and their families? What were the challenges for your staff in providing service while taking care
Jun 23, 2011 |
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Is your behavioral health care organization offering primary physical health care services to the individuals you serve?
The physical health care needs of people with behavioral health care issues are often ignored or overlooked. According to a 2006 report by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, people with serious mental illness die 25 years earlier, on average, than the general population. This is a serious public health problem for the people served by the behavioral health care system. Fortunately, many people are recognizing that overall health is essential to behavioral health and that recovery should also include wellness.
If your organization is accredited under The Joint Commission’s Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Behavioral Health Care (CAMBHC), we’d like to hear what you think about delivering physical health care services in a behavioral health care setting. Are you offering this type of service? What issues have you encountered? Do you have any insights to share with organizations that may be considering offering physical health care services?