Tag: TJC

Online Learning Modules Created to Support Health Equity Programming

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA Keystone Center recently published an online learning module series to support hospitals and health systems in establishing and maintaining a health equity program compliant with new requirements from The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The four-part course was developed to accompany the Guide and Action Plan to Integrating CMS and TJC Health Equity and Health Disparities Requirements.

Both the modules and the guide clarify the latest requirements and provide actionable strategies for implementing health equity programming in an acute care setting.

The module series includes an:

  • Introductory module.
  • Module 1: Overview of CMS health equity requirements.
  • Module 2: Outline of The Joint Commissions standards.
  • Module 3: Explanation of how to use the guide to develop a comprehensive and compliant health equity program.

The intended audience for these resources includes designated health equity leader(s) and the multidisciplinary team(s) responsible for developing and implementing health equity programming. The module series can also be used as an onboarding and educational tool across a health system or hospital’s leadership, staff and governance to articulate expectations for these requirements and create buy-in.

Members can access the modules on the MHA Community site and direct questions to the MHA Keystone Center.

Guide and Action Plan Created to Support Health Equity Programming

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

As strides are made to address inequities and disparities in healthcare, governing and regulatory bodies including The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have created guidelines, benchmarks and policies that evolve over time.

The MHA Keystone Center recently published A Guide and Action Plan to Integrating CMS and TJC Health Equity and Health Disparities Requirements on the MHA Community website to clarify the latest requirements and provide actionable strategies for implementing health equity programming in a hospital or health system setting.

The action plan utilizes quality improvement frameworks and streamlines the requirements into five steps: define, analyze, design, implement and monitor.

The steps include best practices for establishing and maintaining a health equity program in compliance with the new requirements. Adhering to these steps will help organizations align health equity initiatives with existing quality improvement activities and ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to providing equitable care.

The intended audience for this resource includes designated health equity leader(s) and the multidisciplinary team(s) responsible for developing and implementing health equity programming.

Members with questions about the guide can contact the MHA Keystone Center.

Ligature Risks and Regulatory Requirements Reviewed in MHA Webinar

Member News

Suicide safety continues to be a priority for accrediting organizations such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission (TJC), requiring many providers to evaluate various policies and processes. They include how to keep suicidal patients safe when care is needed outside of the psychiatric unit, how to ensure suicidal safety in the emergency room, controlled entrances and exits, and more. The MHA Health Foundation webinar Ligature Risks and Preventing Inpatient Suicide: Compliance with the CMS and TJC Standards will review ligature risks in behavioral health, emergency department, and the inpatient setting, complying with regulatory and accreditation requirements, and related issues.

The webinar is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon ET June 14, and MHA members can register for a connection fee of $200. Members with questions should contact Erica Leyko at the MHA.