Does your facility practice continuous Performance Improvement (PI) assessments, and create and implement Corrective Action Plans based on the data gathered from those assessments? If not, you should be. Putting together a Performance Improvement Team that looks at your facilities systems, policies, procedures, and client care practices is critical in developing a solid foundation for ongoing operations. Also, you know what they say in our industry; if it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen. That being said, it is equally as important to document PI Team meetings, the agenda in that meeting, and what areas were identified as needing a Corrective Action Plan. In fact, nationally accrediting agencies like The Joint Commission (TJC) require it!
Is your facility practicing proper Medication Management policies and procedures? Has your staff completed Medication Observation Competency Testing? Both the Joint Commission (JCAHO) and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) require that your staff that is responsible for medication passes be trained and that evidence of that training is kept in personnel files. Into Action Consulting, Inc. can develop appropriate procedures and policies for your facility that adhere to all supervisory agencies standards and regulations.
Greetings! From the Into Action Consulting, Inc. Team. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), those who suffer from mental illness may attempt to self-medicate their symptoms via drug use. When these individuals abuse drugs, they may feel less anxiety, depression, or neuroses, albeit temporarily. When the individual is not high, the symptoms of their mental health issue return – oftentimes stronger than they were before.
How important is mitigating risk factors in your treatment facility? I have been working in addiction treatment facilities for 20 years and only once was there a suicide at the center where I was on staff. It was, as you can either imagine, or know from your own experience, it was devastating. This individual was only 24 years old, had a history of suicidal ideation, but no attempts. He was put on a behavioral contract, and was progressing well in treatment. He was found in the bathroom with a drape cord tied around the large showerhead in the middle of the day.
Does your facility have a Compliance Director? If not, does your leadership know about Unusual Incident Reporting Requirements? The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) refers to this as an UNUSUAL INCIDENT/INJURY/DEATH REPORT, while the Joint Commission (JCAHO) calls them Sentinel Events. There are many scenarios that require a formal report to your supervising agencies. And not reporting them can lead to serious problems for your facility. I believe the term “CYA” was created specifically for addiction treatment facilities.
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