So, your practice has The Joint Commission accreditation, now you need to remain in compliance with their practices and standards. Ensuring top-notch client safety and quality of care is crucial in mental health practices. Achieving and maintaining compliance with The Joint Commission standards is the cornerstone to delivering quality care to our clients. Here are 5 best practices your company can implement to ensure that you maintain compliance with The Joint Commission standards. 

1. Stay Informed!

You and your team should be up to date on all the latest TJC standards and practices; this is fundamental to staying compliant. One way to keep your team informed is to conduct regular training and updates so that the team is all on the same page and everyone can understand their role.

The standards are always evolving to ensure client safety and quality of care within mental health care facilities. By keeping your staff up to date on compliance you are ensuring that everyone can make informed decisions about client care.

2. Continuous Training

This best practice goes hand in hand with staying informed. Training is key to keeping your team compliant. However, you can think outside the box of the typical training that you may offer your staff and go a different route. Aside from the traditional methods, consider innovative approaches such as simulations, case studies, and interactive workshops. These methods not only educate but also engage your staff in critical thinking and problem-solving scenarios relevant to compliance issues.

By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, organizations can proactively address challenges and minimize risks.

3. Document, Document, DOCUMENT!

Did we mention that it is important to maintain quality documentation? Accurate and comprehensive documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance with TJC standards.

• Establish clear protocols for documenting client care, incidents, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to streamline documentation processes while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.
• Regular audits and reviews can further validate the integrity of your documentation practices.

4. Collaboration is Everything!

Collaboration among your staff members is vital for achieving and maintaining compliance standards. Within your practice it is best to have a culture where interdisciplinary teams work together to implement policies and procedures that align with TJC requirements. Encourage open communication in your company and feedback loops to identify areas for improvement collaboratively.

By inviting diverse perspectives and expertise, organizations can strengthen their compliance efforts and enhance client outcomes.

5. Quality Improvement Champions

Identifying and empowering quality improvement champions within your organization is pivotal. These individuals drive initiatives that promote continuous improvement in care delivery processes.

Do you know someone within your company that may be a good fit for this role?

Quality improvement champions will contribute to a culture of excellence by leading projects, analyzing data, and implementing evidence-based practices. Recognize and support their efforts to sustain momentum and achieve lasting improvements in client care and safety.

What Strategies Do You Use?

When you are maintaining compliance within your company what do you think is the most difficult area to maintain compliance in? Share your strategies and success stories with us.

We want to create a community so that we can elevate the standard of care and ensure that all of our clients are receiving the highest quality of treatment and support.