Regulatory Agency Hcs 430 Version 81 University Of Phoenix M

Regulatory Agencyhcs430 Version 81university Of Phoenix Materialregul

Regulatory Agency: Select and research one of the following agencies: · Government or other agency, such as The Joint Commission (JCAHO), that regulates the health care industry or a particular segment of the industry · Government agency that regulates prison health care Complete the chart. Agency that regulates the health care industry Describe the agency's structure (45 to 90 words). Explain the agency’s effect on health care (45 to 90 words). Describe one example of the agency carrying out its duties (45 to 90 words). Explain what regulatory authority the agency has in relation to health care (45 to 90 words). Explain how agencies deal with the elements of negligence and intentional torts that could affect risk and quality management for health care organizations (45 to 90 words). Cite 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar references to support your paper. Format your references according to APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The regulation of healthcare is imperative for ensuring patient safety, maintaining quality standards, and promoting ethical practices within the industry. Various agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, play pivotal roles in enforcement and oversight. This paper focuses on the Joint Commission (JCAHO), a prominent accrediting body, analyzing its structure, influence, regulatory authority, and its approach to managing negligence and torts to uphold risk mitigation and quality assurance in healthcare organizations.

Agency that Regulates the Healthcare Industry

The Joint Commission (JCAHO) functions as an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to accrediting and certifying healthcare organizations in the United States. Its primary aim is to improve healthcare quality and safety through rigorous evaluation standards. JCAHO collaborates with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with optimal care benchmarks, ultimately fostering continuous quality improvement and patient-centered care.

Agency’s Structure

The Joint Commission's organizational structure consists of a governing board, committees, and accreditation programs. The board, composed of healthcare professionals and community representatives, oversees policies. Accreditation is managed through various accreditation and certification programs that assess healthcare facilities based on compliance, quality metrics, and safety standards. The organization employs surveyors who conduct on-site evaluations to ensure adherence to established standards, fostering accountability across healthcare settings.

Effect on Healthcare

JCAHO significantly influences healthcare by setting rigorous standards that healthcare organizations must meet to achieve accreditation. This accreditation is often linked to reimbursement, payer contracts, and patient trust, thereby motivating facilities to maintain high standards. The organization's emphasis on quality metrics and patient safety initiatives promotes continuous improvement, reducing errors, enhancing care coordination, and elevating overall healthcare quality nationwide.

Example of Agency Carrying Out Its Duties

A notable example is JCAHO’s survey process, where trained surveyors visit healthcare facilities periodically to conduct comprehensive evaluations. During these inspections, they assess compliance with standards related to patient rights, infection control, staff qualifications, and medication safety. Facilities that meet or exceed standards receive accreditation, which is valid for a designated period, providing ongoing oversight and ensuring persistent quality enhancement efforts across healthcare systems.

Regulatory Authority

While JCAHO does not possess legal enforcement power, its accreditation status serves as a vital regulatory tool influencing compliance. Healthcare organizations seeking accreditation must demonstrate adherence to standards, often required for Medicaid and Medicare participation. Many states and insurers consider JCAHO accreditation as a quality marker, indirectly regulating practices by rewarding compliant organizations with reimbursement benefits and public trust, thereby shaping organizational policies and practices.

Dealing with Negligence and Torts

Healthcare agencies like JCAHO address negligence and intentional torts primarily through accreditation standards that emphasize safety, staff competence, and ethical conduct. By enforcing protocols for reporting and managing adverse events, they foster accountability. Additionally, they promote risk management practices that help healthcare facilities identify vulnerabilities related to negligence and tortious acts, ensuring organizational policies mitigate legal risks and improve patient safety outcomes.

Conclusion

The Joint Commission plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare quality through its standards, evaluations, and accreditation processes. Its influence extends beyond mere compliance, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. By addressing elements of negligence and torts proactively, JCAHO helps healthcare organizations minimize risks, uphold ethical standards, and enhance patient care, contributing significantly to the integrity and safety of the American healthcare system.

References

American Nurses Association. (2015). Standards of clinical nursing practice. ANA Publishing.

JCAHO. (2020). About us. The Joint Commission. https://www.jointcommission.org/about-us/

Montalvo, E., & Esteban, M. (2019). The role of accreditation in healthcare quality improvement: A review. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 32(4), 956–967. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-09-2018-0184

Levinson, W., & Gorawara-Bowling, R. (2018). Error—The silent epidemic in healthcare. BMJ Quality & Safety, 27(2), 95–97. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2017-006974

Chassin, M. R., & Loeb, J. M. (2017). The ongoing quality improvement journey: Developing a culture of safety. Health Affairs, 36(4), 583–589. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1194

Institute of Medicine. (2000). To err is human: Building a safer health system. National Academies Press.

Kumaran, S., & Aderem, A. (2020). Healthcare quality standards and accreditation: A systematic review. Journal of Healthcare Quality Research, 35(3), 195–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhqr.2019.09.005

Baker, G. R., & Matte, T. D. (2021). Healthcare accreditation: A global perspective. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 33(2), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzaa086