The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations awarded Harbor Oaks Hospital accrediation effective January 10, 2009.

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Facts about behavioral health care accreditation

The Joint Commission has been active in behavioral health care accreditation since 1969 when it began accrediting organizations providing services for persons with developmental disabilities. In 1972, the Joint Commission began evaluating and accrediting organizations providing mental health and chemical dependency services.

Benefits of accreditation

Accreditation helps to inform and protect clients and consumers, educate providers, and support improvement in the quality of the behavioral health care organization overall. Behavioral health care organizations seek Joint Commission accreditation primarily as a means to enhance organization performance. In many states, accreditation also may be used to meet licensure requirements. It also is a condition of reimbursement for certain insurers and other payers. Joint Commission accreditation requirements provide a data-driven management structure that supports the delivery of safe, quality services. This external review process also assists board members in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.

Survey process

The Joint Commission’s accreditation process concentrates on operational systems critical to the safety and quality of client care.  To earn and maintain accreditation, a behavioral health care organization must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years. The objective of the survey is not only to evaluate the organization, but to provide education and guidance that will help staff continue to improve the behavioral health care organization’s performance. The survey process evaluates actual care, treatment or services provided by tracing clients and analyzing key operational systems that directly impact the quality and safety of client care. 

Surveys are conducted by experienced behavioral health care professionals including psychologists, social workers, behavioral health care nurses and administrators. The majority of the Joint Commission surveyors are actively working in a range of behavioral health care settings. Surveyors must also pass a certification examination. 

Performance measurement requirements

Accredited behavioral health care organizations are expected to meet standards-based requirements for performance measurement, and to present relevant performance data and actions taken in response to these data during the on-site survey.