TJC Behavioral Healthcare Updates

TJC, the not-for-profit organization which accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the U.S., has announced a change in their standards regarding Behavioral Health outcome measures. Beginning 1/1/18 Care, Treatment, and Services (CTS) Standard CTS 03.01.09 for accredited behavioral health care organizations requires the assessment of outcomes by using a standardized tool or instrument. The standard currently requires organizations to simply “assess” outcomes of CTS. Read more about the upcoming change here:

• https://www.jointcommission.org/approved_revisions_bhc_outcome_measures_standard/

TJC has also announced Phase 1 of 2 of their regular review project. The updates of their Behavioral Health standards, effective 7/1/17, are expanded on here:

• https://www.jointcommission.org/approved_phase_i_revisions_to_update_behavioral_health_care_requirements/

TJC’s mission is, “to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value”.

Brown Consulting, Ltd. can help your organization with TJC Accreditation Compliance!

Information about the Accreditation Compliance Analysis offered through Brown Consulting Ltd. can be found on the “Our Services” page on our site:

• http://www.danbrownconsulting.com/our-services/

-Megan Phillips, M.A.

Reference:

https://www.jointcommission.org/about_us/about_the_joint_commission_main.aspx

Utilizing a Behavioral Health Consultant

You work in Behavioral Health. Your work is successfully making an impact in your community. Why should you hire a Behavioral Health Consultant to assist your organization?

1. You have limited time and resources

You may be an expert on, for example, specific accreditation standards or Medicaid compliance. However, do you have time to ensure every detailed aspect of that project is carried out accurately and effectively? Maybe not. Hiring a Behavioral Health Consultant can free your time.

2. The world of behavioral health is constantly changing. It’s challenging to keep up!

Our consultants stay on top of the latest behavioral health news and trends. We use this knowledge to effectively address your organizational concerns.

3. You can focus more on what matters most….patients

Working in the field of mental health is meaningful. People pursue careers in this field because they find psychology and human behavior interesting. More than likely, they want to help others. Consultants can provide assistance with basic but essential tasks as well as a fresh approach to problem solving and/or pursuing new opportunities. Utilizing a consultant will open up your organization’s time to focus on the patients and community you serve.

Brown Consulting Ltd. specializes in behavioral services.

Brown Consulting controls the shifting landscape of behavioral health by thoroughly understanding the marketplace today and tomorrow. We offer strategy and solutions for our client’s concerns, including but not limited to:

• Accreditation Compliance (CARF, COA, TJC)
• Strategic Planning
• HIPAA Compliance
• New Program Feasibility Analysis
• Staff Recruitment services

Additionally, we offer customized services. Every state is different. Every organization is different. Every problem requires a unique combination of solutions. This is why, as consultants, we will approach your organizational needs individually and guarantee your satisfaction.

-Megan Phillips, M.A.

Mental Health in the U.S. 2017

Happy New Year! The holidays are over and it’s time to begin anew. So, what can behavioral service professionals expect in mental health in 2017?

The following are key findings from the State of Mental Health in America 2017 report:

• 1 in 5 Adults have a mental health condition.That’s over 40 million Americans; more than the populations of New York and Florida combined.

• Youth mental health is worsening. Rates of youth depression increased from 8.5% in 2011 to 11.1% in 2014. Even with severe depression, 80% of youth are left with no or insufficient treatment

• More Americans have access to services…Access to insurance and treatment increased, as healthcare reform has reduced the rates of uninsured adults. 19% of adults remain uninsured in states that did not expand Medicaid. 13% of adults remain uninsured in states that did expand Medicaid.

• …But most Americans still lack access to care. 56% of American adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment. Even in Vermont, the state with the best access, 43% of adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment.

• There is a serious mental health workforce shortage. In states with the lowest workforce, there’s only 1 mental health professional per 1,000 individuals. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses combined.

• Less access to care means more incarceration. Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama had the least access to care and highest rates of imprisonment. There are over 57,000 people with mental health conditions in prison and jail in those states alone. That’s enough to fill Madison Square Garden three times.

Knowledge is a tool. Understanding health disparities that affect our nation is the first step to taking action and providing service to communities in need. The 2017 State of Mental Health in America Report lists up to date facts, statistics and data (FREE copy can be downloaded here: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/download-2017-state-mental-health-america-report)

Best of luck this year with all your professional endeavors!

-Megan Phillips, M.A.

References:

Mental Health America (2016, December 14). The State of Mental Health in America 2017. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/state-mental-health-america#Key