August 22, 2003

JCAHO tip of the week

Surveyors from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) will be visiting the MGH Sept. 15 through 19. In preparation for the survey, Hotline is featuring a tip of the week. The tip contains information that all MGHers should know for the survey. For more information, visit the MGH JCAHO website at http://is.partners.org/jcaho/

Patient Assessments

• All patients should be assessed for unit placement and appropriate levels of care prior to or at the time of admission.
• Initial assessments must be conducted and documented by both physicians and nurses within 24 hours.
• A nursing assessment includes the Functional Health Pattern framework.
• A physician assessment consists of the history and physical (H&P). The H&P must occur within 24 hours of admission and prior to surgery.
• JCAHO requires that all patients be screened for nutrition issues within 24 hours of admission.
• Reassessment must include the patient's response to care; evidence that the care team has reviewed all prior assessments; and evidence that care decisions were based on the patient's needs and care priorities.