Archive for Accreditation & Compliance News
Compass Clinical Consulting CEO Kate Fenner to Present “Hospital Decertification: A Near-Death Experience” Educational Webinar for Nebraska Hospital Association
Details the Implications of the Medicare Termination Process and How It Can Quickly Lead to Hospital Closure
The Nebraska Hospital Association will host a webinar featuring Kate Fenner, RN, PhD, CEO of Compass Clinical Consulting, and Alton Byers, MS, FACHE, on July 27. The webinar, “Hospital Decertification: A Near-Death Experience,” will focus on one hospital’s real-life crisis when faced with termination by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Dr. Fenner and Mr. Byers will engage in candid discussion of how the financial and public relations implications of the Medicare termination process almost forced this hospital to close.
The presentation will outline how focused attention, systemic change and commitment by senior leaders can help hospitals avoid the pain and financial instability caused by Medicare decertification. It will also include practical information for executives and quality leaders about the impact that immediate jeopardy can have on clinical operations and quality of care, and steps for preventing, responding to and recovering from Medicare termination. Hospital professionals can register for this presentation at the Nebraska Hospital Association’s web site (http://www.nhanet.org/events/events.htm?topic=detail&events_id=1526&cat=NHA+Events).
ABOUT KATE FENNER, RN, PHD
Compass Clinical CEO Kate Fenner has more than 25 years of experience in senior healthcare leadership roles in university, regional, state and national organizations. A regular keynote speaker throughout the country, Dr. Fenner has authored a leading college text on law and ethics in healthcare as well as co-authored other texts on a variety of healthcare issues.
ABOUT COMPASS CLINICAL CONSULTING
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) helps hospitals reduce the cost of providing safe, quality patient care. Founded in 1979 and based in Cincinnati, OH, Compass has helped hundreds of hospitals and health systems prepare for accreditation, optimize labor cost management, manage clinical resources, and improve patient throughput and physician relations. Compass also places interim healthcare executives.
RELATED LINKS:
Webinar Registration: (http://www.nhanet.org/events/events.htm?topic=detail&events_id=1526&cat=NHA+Events)
Hospital Near-Death Experience Whitepaper: (http://www.compass-clinical.com/hospital-near-death/)
Hospital Accreditation E-zine: (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Compass Clinical Consulting
Steve Kayser (media relations)
513-241-0142, ext. 112
email: SKayser@compassgroupinc.com
Twitter: Http://www.twitter.com/compasscc
Compass Clinical Consulting Presents “Surviving the Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process” at Rockefeller University Hospital
CINCINNATI, OH– Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) Practice Leader for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Ruth Elzer RN, MS, will present an educational seminar on current regulatory compliance issues in collaboration with Rockefeller University Hospital. The program, titled “Surviving the Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process,” will be held from 8:30-4:30 on June 18th at Rockefeller University Hospital in New York, NY.
SURVIVING SURVEY IN 2010
Today’s hospitals must juggle the evolving standards of both The Joint Commission and CMS to achieve regulatory compliance and provide quality patient care. “Surviving the Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process” explains how quality leaders can prepare for both survey processes, focusing on the issues that hold the greatest risk for hospitals in 2010, and providing practical tips for achieving better survey outcomes.
TOPICS ADDRESS COMMON REGULATORY ISSUES AND QUESTIONS
Lecture topics for the program include, “Managing Contracted Services,” “Immediate Jeopardy: Passing Joint Commission and Flunking CMS,” and “Top Compliance Nightmares.” A full agenda and registration information can be found on Compass Clinical Consulting’s website (http://www.compassgroupinc.com/ny-seminar-2010/).
ABOUT RUTH ELZER
Ruth Elzer is an expert at keeping hospitals compliant. As Practice Leader for Accreditation and Compliance Services at Compass Clinical Consulting, Ruth gives clients practical solutions that work on paper and at the bedside. Before specializing in accreditation and compliance, Ruth worked for St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL, and at The Joint Commission (TJC), where she managed the development of educational programs designed to help hospitals prepare for regulatory survey. Ruth is trained as a surveyor for TJC, CMS, and EMTALA. A nationally recognized speaker, Ruth is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
RELATED LINKS:
Hospital Accreditation E-zine: (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com)
“In 2010, Hospitals Must Take Patient Complaints Seriously” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=317)
“23 Days to Fix Everything: Responding to Immediate Jeopardy Findings Before It’s Too Late” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=290)
Compass Clinical Consulting Hospital Accreditation Expert to Present at Western Regional Trustee Symposium
Accreditation and regulatory compliance expert Ruth Elzer examines “The Board’s Role in Assuring Quality Healthcare.”
CINCINNATI, OH – May 11, 2010 –Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) Practice Leader for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Ruth Elzer RN, MS, will present with leading hospital executives and healthcare experts at this year’s Western Regional Trustee Symposium. The symposium, “Elevating the Standards of Hospital Governance,” will take place from June 9-11 at Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.
“ELEVATING THE STANDARDS OF HOSPITAL GOVERNANCE”
The 14th annual Western Regional Trustee Symposium will continue its tradition of commitment to quality healthcare governance programming at an affordable cost. The program will offer strategies to enhance leadership, broaden awareness of current healthcare trends, examine “best practices” of successful healthcare governance, and present fresh approaches to standard healthcare governance concerns and business practices. Ruth Elzer will present, “The Board’s Role in Assuring Quality Healthcare.” More information and the registration brochure can be found on the event website. (http://www.trusteesymposium.org)
“The BOARD’S ROLE IN ASSURING QUALITY HEALTHCARE”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires hospitals to have a governing body (the board) that is legally responsible for the conduct of the hospital as an institution. The board of a hospital is required to hire the CEO, establish a competent medical staff and oversee key aspects of the organization, such as the strategic plan and budget. However, it’s the governing body’s role in oversight of quality care that is most commonly cited during a CMS complaint survey. Ruth Elzer’s presentation will focus on the regulatory expectations of hospital boards, particularly with regard to quality of care. In this session, participants will receive updates on the latest expectations for boards in the oversight of quality and compliance, tips on how to “on-board” new trustees for their role in quality, and strategies for making information understandable.
ABOUT RUTH ELZER
Ruth Elzer is an expert at keeping hospitals compliant. As Practice Leader for Accreditation and Compliance Services at Compass Clinical Consulting, Ruth gives clients practical solutions that work on paper and at the bedside. Before specializing in accreditation and compliance, Ruth worked for St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL, and at The Joint Commission (TJC), where she managed the development of educational programs designed to help hospitals prepare for regulatory survey. Ruth is trained as a surveyor for TJC, CMS, and EMTALA. A nationally recognized speaker, Ruth is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
ABOUT COMPASS CLINICAL CONSULTING
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) helps hospitals reduce the cost of providing safe, quality patient care. Founded in 1979 and based in Cincinnati, OH, Compass has helped hundreds of hospitals and health systems prepare for accreditation, optimize labor cost management, manage clinical resources, and improve patient throughput and physician relations. Compass also places interim healthcare executives.
RELATED LINKS:
Symposium Brochure (http://www.trusteesymposium.org/docs/WRTS_brochure_2010.pdf)
Hospital Accreditation E-zine: (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com)
“Involving the Board in Quality and Patient Safety” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=275)
“The Rising Costs of Poor Quality” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=201)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Compass Clinical Consulting
Steve Kayser (spokesperson)
513-241-0142, ext. 112
email: SKayser@compassgroupinc.com
Twitter: Http://www.twitter.com/compasscc
Compass Clinical Consulting Presents “Surviving the Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process”
Hosted by the University of Colorado Hospital, seminar will give healthcare quality leaders practical tips for facing regulatory survey in 2010.
CINCINNATI, OH – May 10, 2010 –Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) Practice Leader for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Ruth Elzer RN, MS, in collaboration with the University of Colorado Hospital, will present an educational seminar on current regulatory compliance issues. The program, entitled “Surviving the Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process,” will be held from 8:30-4:30 on June 11th at Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion in Aurora, CO.
SURVIVING SURVEY IN 2010
To achieve regulatory compliance and provide quality patient care, today’s hospitals must meet the evolving standards of both The Joint Commission and CMS. “Surviving the Joint Commission and CMS Survey Process” will instruct quality leaders about preparing for both survey processes. The seminar will focus on the issues that hold the greatest risk for hospitals in 2010, and provide practical tips for achieving better survey outcomes.
TOPICS ADDRESS COMMON REGULATORY ISSUES AND QUESTIONS
Lecture topics for the program include, “Managing Contracted Services,” ”Immediate Jeopardy: Passing Joint Commission and Flunking CMS,” and “Top Compliance Nightmares.” A full agenda and registration information can be found on Compass Clinical Consulting’s website (http://www.compassgroupinc.com/co-seminar-2010/).
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RELATED LINKS:
Hospital Accreditation E-zine: (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com)
“In 2010, Hospitals Must Take Patient Complaints Seriously” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=317)
“Joint Commission Surveys: Unannounced and – in 2010 – Unplanned” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=302)
ABOUT RUTH ELZER
Ruth Elzer is an expert at keeping hospitals compliant. As Practice Leader for Accreditation and Compliance Services at Compass Clinical Consulting, Ruth gives clients practical solutions that work on paper and at the bedside. Before specializing in accreditation and compliance, Ruth worked for St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL, and at The Joint Commission (TJC), where she managed the development of educational programs designed to help hospitals prepare for regulatory survey. Ruth is trained as a surveyor for TJC, CMS, and EMTALA. A nationally recognized speaker, Ruth is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
ABOUT COMPASS CLINICAL CONSULTING
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) helps hospitals reduce the cost of providing safe, quality patient care. Founded in 1979 and based in Cincinnati, OH, Compass has helped hundreds of hospitals and health systems prepare for accreditation, optimize labor cost management, manage clinical resources, and improve patient throughput and physician relations. Compass also places interim healthcare executives.
Compass Clinical Consulting Accreditation Expert Ruth Elzer Presents “Guide to CMS Compliance” in Journal of Healthcare Management
Provides senior healthcare leaders detailed expert analysis and action tips for 2010 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) compliance challenges.
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) Practice Leader for Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance Ruth Elzer RN, MS, provides expert insight and practical advice in her “Guide to CMS Compliance” article published in the March/April edition of the Journal of Healthcare Management.
JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
The Journal of Healthcare Management, published by the American College of Healthcare Executives, contains timely articles on relevant healthcare management topics and industry trends. The journal, which is published six times per year, features columns by healthcare executives, clinicians and industry experts.
ACTION TIPS FOR 2010
Elzer’s column, entitled “Guide to CMS Compliance,” addresses trends that healthcare leaders can expect to encounter in 2010, including more surveys and greater scrutiny from CMS. In particular, she offers recommendations for
- Understanding CMS regulatory requirements
- Delivering compliant patient care
- Surviving poor surveys.
The article can be accessed through Compass Clinical Consulting’s Hospital Accreditation Resource Center.
RELATED LINKS:
Hospital Accreditation E-zine: (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com)
“In 2010, Hospitals Must Take Patient Complaints Seriously” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=317)
“23 Days to Fix Everything: Responding to Immediate Jeopardy Findings Before It’s Too Late” (http://www.hospital-accreditation.com/?p=290)
ABOUT RUTH ELZER
Ruth Elzer is an expert at keeping hospitals compliant. As the Practice Leader for Accreditation and Compliance Services at Compass Clinical Consulting, Ruth gives clients practical solutions that work across the board. Before specializing in accreditation and compliance, Ruth worked for St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, IL, and at The Joint Commission (TJC), where she managed the development of educational programs designed to help hospitals prepare for regulatory survey. Ruth is trained as a surveyor for not only The Joint Commission, but also the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and EMTALA. A nationally recognized speaker, Ruth is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
ABOUT COMPASS CLINICAL CONSULTING
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) is a healthcare consultancy founded in 1979 and based in Cincinnati, OH. Compass experts have helped hundreds of hospitals and health systems prepare for accreditation, optimize labor cost management, manage clinical resources, and improve patient throughput and physician relations. Compass also places interim healthcare executives.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Compass Clinical Consulting
Steve Kayser (spokesperson)
513-241-0142, ext. 112
email: SKayser@compassgroupinc.com
Twitter: Http://www.twitter.com/compasscc
Compass Clinical CEO Kate Fenner to Present “Medicare Decertification: A Near-Death Experience of a Hospital and Its Impact on the Community,” at the 2010 Congress on Healthcare Leadership
Case Study Presentation Details Severe Financial and Public Relations Implications of the Medicare Decertification Process and How It Can Quickly Lead to Hospital Closure
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) CEO Kate Fenner RN, PhD, is presenting “Medicare Decertification: A Hospital Near-Death Experience” at the 2010 Congress on Healthcare Leadership at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on March 25, 2010.
THE CRISIS
The presentation includes an analysis of a real-life crisis faced by one hospital and a candid discussion of how the financial and public relations implications of the Medicare Decertification process almost forced the hospital to close.
THE CEO
Compass Clinical CEO Kate Fenner has more than 25 years of experience in senior healthcare leadership roles in university, regional, state and national organizations. A regular keynote speaker throughout the country, Dr. Fenner has authored a leading college text on law and ethics in healthcare as well as co-authored other texts on a variety of healthcare issues.
PREVENT, RESPOND, RECOVER
Dr. Fenner’s presentation outlines steps for implementing a quality assurance program to prevent, respond and recover from Medicare termination and will also address the:
- Serious operational implications that occur by failing to address immediate jeopardy findings
- Impact immediate jeopardy can have on clinical operations and quality of care
- Focused attention, systemic change and commitment by senior leaders that can help hospitals avoid the pain and loss of decertification
LOCATION
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois.
View the 2010 Congress on Healthcare Leadership brochure. For more information, contact the ACHE Customer Service Center at (312) 424-9400 or contact@ache.org.
ABOUT COMPASS CLINICAL CEO KATE FENNER
With more than 25 years of experience in senior healthcare leadership roles in university, state, regional and national organizations, Dr. Fenner is a regular keynote speaker throughout the country.
ABOUT COMPASS CLINICAL CONSULTING
Compass Clinical Consulting (http://www.compass-clinical.com) is a healthcare consultancy founded in 1979 and based in Cincinnati, OH. Compass experts have helped hundreds of hospitals and health systems prepare for accreditation, optimize labor cost management, manage clinical resources, and improve patient throughput and physician relations. Compass also places interim healthcare executives.
Who Really Benefits from the CMS Acute Care Episode Demonstration?
Medicare’s Acute Care Episode Demonstration Project (ACE) has attracted a lot of attention as a way of encouraging greater physician and hospital alignment – presumably to lower the cost of delivering healthcare. But … every good idea has downside implications.
READ THE COMPLETE STORY “Who Really Benefits from the CMS Acute Care Episode Demonstration?” via Better Hospitals.
New Study Provides Concrete Guidelines for Preventing Surgical Site Infections . . . Finally
A new study published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine that focused on skin preparation brings us closer to answering a decades-old question: “Which product do we use to prep the skin before surgery?”
Read complete story “New Study Provides Concrete Guidelines for Preventing Surgical Site Infections . . . Finally” via the Hospital Accreditation blog.
Responding to Immediate Jeopardy Findings Before It’s Too Late
23 Days to Fix Everything
The most serious of regulatory deficiencies will result in 23-day Termination Procedures. This means that the hospital will have 23 days from the final day of survey to prove that it has come into compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation. Hospitals should be equipped to react within the timeline set by CMS, while leaving extra time for the realities that accompany the process. For example, CMS estimates that hospitals will be notified of Immediate Jeopardy and the related non-compliance by Day 2.
READ THE FULL STORY: “Respond to Immediate Jeopardy Findings Before It’s Too Late” via “Hospital Accreditation.”
Five Ways The Hospital Board Can Help Ensure Patient Safety
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require hospitals to have a governing body (the board) that is legally responsible for the conduct of the hospital as an institution. The board of a hospital must hire the CEO, establish a competent medical staff, and oversee key aspects of the organization, such as the strategic plan and budget. However, it’s the governing body’s role in oversight of quality care that is most commonly cited during a complaint survey.
Here are five ways the hospital board can help ensure patient safety ( via Better Hospitals) … READ THE FULL STORY (http://www.better-hospitals.com/2009/11/helping-your-board-ensure-patient-safety/ )
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