Introduction
For a healthcare organization to officially back its ability to deliver its services, it must be accredited by respective agencies. Accreditation is a voluntary process of external evaluation based on dynamic standards to achieve optimum performance (Myers, 2011). Firstly, it is not obligatory as hospitals can choose not to apply for it. Secondly, all evaluations are managed by external organizations, thus providing objective assessment. Finally, accreditation follows principles that change according to emerging knowledge.
A healthcare organization must be officially allowed to operate by the officials. Licensure is defined as “the formal recognition by a regulatory agency or body that an organization has passed all the qualifications to practice that profession in that state” (Understanding licensing, credentialing, certification, and privileging, no date, para. 3). Unlike accreditation, which is voluntary, acquiring a license is obligatory because a hospital that has not undergone the licensing procedure is considered illegal.
Healthcare organizations can also increase their attractiveness to clients and patients by being certified. Certification is an additional credential administered by national boards specifying education and training necessary to meet the certification criteria (Understanding licensing, credentialing, certification, and privileging, no date). If licensure is permitting an organization to work and accreditation is a voluntary assessment, then certification is the optional proof of competencies and capacity to deliver healthcare.
As all medical decisions are based on tests, they should be conducted following the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). This credential signifies that a laboratory is following the standards of testing established by the United States Congress in 1988 (How to obtain a CLIA certificate, 2019). CLIA certification is essential for operating in most of the US states, except for Washington and New York.
The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission (TJC) is the most well-known independent agency certifying healthcare organizations in the United States. Wrzesniewski (2017, p. 62) notes over 250 standards “which address important topics including patient rights and education, infection control, life safety, medication management, leadership, performance improvement, and credentialing.” In comparison to other accreditations, TJC is the simplest to obtain and it suits private hospitals that do not seek government funding.
Benefits of TJC accreditation include consecutive consultation with the TJC for maintaining performance. This accreditation is also necessary for entering residency programs that allow working with residents of a particular area (Wrzesniewski, 2017). Healthcare organizations that received TJC accreditation can be reimbursed by commercial and federal payers, which include Medicaid and Medicare. The state label encourages trust and attracts clients that are engaged in governmental healthcare programs.
TJC has a set of regulations aimed at maintaining patient safety that is realized via the Sentinel Event Policy. A sentinel event refers to “any unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof” (Facts about the Sentinel Event Policy, no date, para. 1). All instances are available through the online newsletter Sentinel Event Alert. It has critical information about causes and prevention measures that increases patient safety.
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) is an alternative to TJC. HFAP focuses on hospitals delivering acute care and stroke management. Its quality standards are based on the guidelines issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (Fennel, 2014a). The standards themselves include patient treatment, quality improvement, patient safety, and environmental safety all of which are in line with the federal principles of healthcare.
The major benefit of receiving HFAP accreditation is achieving compliance with the CMS’ conditions. Satisfying the CMS is vital for participation in Medicaid and Medicare programs. HFAP is the most straightforward means for healthcare organizations seeking to receive state designation. Moreover, their patient care quality will also be backed by the federal label. In contrast to other accreditations, HFAP would suffice for hospitals that intend to obtain state designation.
Det Norske Veritas Healthcare
Another accreditation option for hospitals is Det Norske Veritas Healthcare (DNVHC). A common problem associated with healthcare organizations that pursued accreditations was the imbalance between quality and costs. DNVHC offers a solution by following the requirements of the National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations. The company’s mission “is dedicated to safeguarding life, property, and the environment” (Fennel, 2014b, para. 1). Thus, its general premise is risk management in business practices in hospitals.
As DNVHC pursues minimizing costs with maintaining high quality, it follows two basic standards. The first is following CMS rules and making certain that organizations having DNVHC accreditation can legally work in the United States. The second is maintaining “the overall quality management system to ensure that processes are being managed effectively” (Fennel, 2014b, para 4). Due to the rapidly changing circumstances, DNVHC accreditation chapters are reviewed every six years.
The most obvious benefit of applying for DNVHC is efficient optimization. As Fennel (2014b, para. 16) argues, “DNVHC’s approach to accreditation is designed to allow organizations to be innovative, as the standards are less prescriptive and best practice is encouraged.” The second benefit is the implementation of individualized programs that combine principles of patient safety with lower costs. Taking other accreditations into consideration, DNVHC is the best choice for hospitals that prioritize regulating budget deficits.
Reference List
Facts about the Sentinel Event Policy (2020) Web.
Fennel, V.M. (2014a) Accreditation options: understanding the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. Web.
Fennel, V.M. (2014b) Understanding Det Norske Veritas Healthcare’s national integrated accreditation for healthcare organizations program. Web.
How to obtain a CLIA certificate (2019) Web.
Myers, S. (2011) Patient safety and hospital accreditation: a model for ensuring success. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Understanding licensing, credentialing, certification, and privileging (2020) Web.
Wrzesniewski, C.E. (2017) Quality and safety through compliance with the Joint Commission requirements. Web.