In the News This Month
Greetings Everyone,
Many of our articles and Field Note Blog topics focus on our observations from the field during Mock Surveys and other service engagements. We want to highlight processes we see organizations struggling with, provide clarity on the expectations regarding current standards and regulations, and offer sound advice and suggested strategies for putting together and implementing the most robust processes and programs to enhance the quality of care and improve patient safety.
Our feature article, “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Pain Medication Practices,” authored by Senior Consultant and Accredited Provider Program Director, Chris Pratt addresses opportunities we frequently see in the field regarding pain medication practices and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) §482.21 Condition of Participation: Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Program. Chris outlines the elements that should be incorporated in an organization’s pain medication processes, suggesting items to consider during your evaluation of your program.
Our second article, “When Trouble Strikes Is Your Team Ready?” by Patricia Cook, Senior Consultant and Head of Consulting Services discusses the recent changes to the Emergency Management Standards as they related to your emergency management framework, and challenges organizations to utilize a robust drill process to ensure clinical resources have the knowledge and hands-on skills to continue to provide care, treatment, and services no matter what disaster or emergency should arise?
Thank you for taking the time to read our articles. We hope this information is helpful in assisting you with accreditation and regulatory compliance needs. If you have any suggestions for future topics or require our services, please reach out to us at info@courtemanche-assocs.com. Our team is always available and eager to assist you in any way we can.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Pain Medication Practices
The Author
Christopher Pratt, MS, BSN, HACP
Chris Pratt is a Senior Consultant with Courtemanche and Associates with more than 33 years in clinical and leadership experience working in varying healthcare positions from the bedside to the Boardroom. In this role, he is responsible for assessing healthcare organizations’ readiness for licensing, accreditation, and regulatory compliance. He is trained in the survey process, auditing approach and survey outcome determination utilized by The Joint Commission, DNV, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and other regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations. He assists organizations with post-survey activities, education, patient safety strategies, and quality improvement initiatives and has experience in various health care settings including acute care, behavioral health, and ambulatory care settings.
When Trouble Strikes Is Your Team Ready?
The Author
Patricia Cook, B.S., R.Ph, HACP, GRCP
Pat Cook is a Senior Consultant and Head of Consulting Services at Courtemanche & Associates. Working in collaboration with the C&A Leaders, Pat manages Courtemanche & Associate’s business development initiatives and oversees the clinical delivery of services and support. With her extensive healthcare experience, Pat serves as a knowledgeable resource to new and existing clients, helping to guide them through their accreditation and regulatory needs.
C&A is a division of SAYAS Alliance. Through our sister company Medical Resources Network, we also offer a range of legal nurse consulting services, including medical record review and analysis, medical chronologies, peer review, retention of medical experts, and adverse event and call center management. Learn more.
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