Kelly Jones is a surveyor for the ACHC Behavioral Health Program. She has over 15 years of experience providing comprehensive mental health services to diverse…
Meet the Team: Kelly Jones, LPC, BC-TMH, NCC
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Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Deficiencies Tied to Documentation Issues
From prevention services to residential treatment, documentation is vital to protect vulnerable clients and support risk management for behavioral health organizations…
Accreditation Theater: The Illusion of Rigor in Healthcare Accreditation
In the post-9/11 era, the term “Security Theater” emerged to describe over-the-top yet ineffective airport security procedures designed more to make travelers feel safe than to actually increase safety. Today, healthcare accreditation faces its own version…
Update to ACHC Standards
ACHC Standards for 2025 have been reviewed and minor changes made to reflect the goals of safe, high-quality, person-centered care that…
A Growth Mindset Approach to Managing Grievances
A grievance or complaint is a formal statement, either verbal or written, from a service recipient, advocate, or staff member expressing…
Reframing a “Dependent Status” Survey Decision
Your behavioral health organization applied for ACHC Accreditation, hosted an onsite survey, and has now received a decision letter indicating “Dependent Status.” What does it mean?
Why Your Accreditation End Date Matters
Achieving accreditation is regarded as one of the key benchmarks for measuring the quality of an organization. Once initial accreditation is achieved, it is not permanent and must be maintained and renewed to ensure continued compliance. ACHC Accreditation is valid for a 36-month time period but preparation for renewal should begin at least nine months before the expiration date. Resources are available to help you prepare.
Why It Matters to Maintain Personnel Records
Maintaining personnel records for staff members is required to achieve ACHC Accreditation and meet applicable state and federal regulations.
Maryland Halts New Licenses for Some Behavioral Health Programs
A moratorium on new licenses for select behavioral health programs and services in Maryland took effect July 1, 2024.
New Survey Checklist Simplifies Record Preparation
Service recipient records are a vital part of the accreditation survey process. When a Surveyor arrives for your on-site survey, your organization must provide several service recipient record reports during the opening conference. A new ACHC checklist is available to help you assess your organization’s compliance with service recipient record requirements.