Mondaq (08/30/22) Gawley, Michael
The Joint Commission recently announced a new standard to improve healthcare equity in accredited facilities. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, facilities must comply with new Leadership (LD) chapter Standard LD.04.03.08, which features six new elements of performance, writes Michael Gawley of Nossaman LLP. The standard will mandate that hospitals identify individuals to lead healthcare disparity mitigation activities; evaluate patients' health-related social requirements and supply information on community resources and support services; specify healthcare disparities in its patient population by stratifying quality and safety data bad on patients' sociodemographic traits; formulate a written action plan describing measures to address at least one identified healthcare disparity; act when it fails to realize or maintain the action plan's goals; and notify key stakeholders on its progress to strengthen healthcare equity. To ensure compliance with the new standards, medical staffs can review or update staff bylaws to reinforce their commitment to reducing healthcare disparities. They can also establish a subcommittee or a medical staff position to lead activities to reduce disparities, as well as teach staffers about unconscious bias and its effect on patient outcomes. "Medical staff leadership and administration should consult with outside counsel to develop strategies to ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards and help close the gap of disparate patient outcomes for historically marginalized groups," recommends Gawley.
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