Don’t forget to post survey notice in newspaper
"Just a word of advice, so you don’t repeat our mistake: Read all of the JCAHO instructions," advises Judy Early, president of Pompton Lakes, NJ-based Emerald Healthcare Service. On its last survey, the agency received JCAHO accreditation with a remarkable grid score of 100. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to repeat it, or even get commendation because of a technicality.
Despite being very thorough in all other aspects the agency received no supplementals Emerald Healthcare will receive at least a Type I recommendation because of a careless omission. Although they sent the public information notice to 100% of their patients and employees, surpassing the standard requirement, and posted it in several prominent areas, they neglected to inform the public through placing the notice in the newspaper.
"My staff and I worked very hard to prepare to repeat our 100 score from the last survey," says Earley. "Since then, the manual [CAMHC 97-98] changed, and we simply did not read all of the requirements."
There are other agencies that have been penalized for similar oversights. For example, several agencies have been cited for not printing the public information notice verbatim in the newspaper.
In spite of not receiving commendation with the agency accreditation, Early still wholeheartedly supports the Joint Commission survey process. She suggests all agencies participate in JCAHO standards seminars given by surveyors at least one year prior to their scheduled survey time.
"It’s those little things that matter," comments Early. "The accreditation process pushes organizations to excel and learn. No matter the score you receive, agencies will always get progressively better, which ultimately helps patients too."
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