Title
a. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute an agreement with The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Dba The Joint Commission for accreditation and/or certification services at NMC for an amount not to exceed $150,000 with an agreement term January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2024.
b. Approve the NMC Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation to accept non-standard indemnification and insurance provisions within the agreement, and a non-standard Business Associates Agreement.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute an agreement with The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Dba The Joint Commission for accreditation and/or certification services at NMC for an amount not to exceed $150,000 with an agreement term January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2024.
b. Approve the NMC Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation to accept non-standard indemnification and insurance provisions within the agreement, and a non-standard Business Associates Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The mission of The Joint Commission (TJC) is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. In order to achieve accreditation, hospitals must undergo a survey for the purposes of determining compliance with the performance standards. After initial accreditation, a triennial survey is conducted to assess continued compliance. In addition to their own standards, TJC is approved to survey hospitals using CMS standards as well.
The benefits of being TJC accredited are:
• Improves the quality of patient care by reducing variation in clinical processes - The Joint Commission’s standards and emphasis on clinical practice guidelines help organizations establish a consistent approach to care, reducing the risk of error.
• Provides a framework for program structure and management - Certification standards help organize the disease management program. This helps to maintain a consistently high level of quality, using effective data-driven performance improvement.
• Provides an objective assessment of clinical excellence - Joint Commission reviewers have significant experience evaluating disease management programs. They are trained to provide expert advice and education on good practices during the on-site review.
• Creates a loyal, cohesive clinical team - Certification provides an opportunity for staff to develop their skills and knowledge. Achieving certification provides the clinical team with common goals and a concrete validation of their combined efforts.
• Promotes a culture of excellence across the organization - Consistent alignment with Joint Commission standards promotes an environment of continuous improvement in the care of patients.
• Facilitates marketing, contracting and reimbursement - Certification may provide an advantage in a competitive health care marketplace and improve the ability to secure new business.
• Strengthens community confidence in the quality and safety of care, treatment, and services - Achieving and displaying The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® makes a strong statement to the community about an organization’s commitment to providing the highest quality services.
• Allows Natividad to receive payment from federally funded Medicare and Medi-Cal programs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement as to legal form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. The agreement has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee on October 28, 2018 and by its Board of Trustees on November 2, 2018.
FINANCING:
The cost for this agreement is $150,000 of which $30,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Adopted Budget. Amounts for remaining years of the agreement will be included in those budgets as appropriate.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the hospital’s participation in the accreditation process of The Joint Commission.
__ Economic Development
X Administration
__ Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Monica Hamilton, Quality Administrator, 783-2502
Approved by: Gary R. Gray, DO, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
Joint Commission Agreement for Accreditation/Certification Services
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board