The Joint Commission has a new certification available for home health and hospices facilities that provide palliative care services in the patients' homes. The certification is the first of its kind in the industry.
According to Margherita Labson, RN, executive director of The Joint Commission's Home Care Program, demand for community-based palliative care programs is on the rise. That said, more home care organizations are developing comprehensive programs serve chronically ill patients who require physical and psychosocial support, but may or may not qualify for home health services.
"The industry has expressed a need for an objective review against national benchmarks to be better positioned for success, as well as opportunities to promote improved outcomes and strengthen operational efficiency," said Ms. Labson. "Community-Based Palliative Care certification addresses all of these components."
Requirements for the certification include:
- A robust interdisciplinary care team
- Customized, comprehensive care plans
- After-hours care and services
- Use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
- A defined hand-off communications process
Organizations interested in applying for the voluntary Community-Based Palliative Care certification may do so beginning May 1, and onsite surveys will start July 1.
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