The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization, established more than 50 years ago. We are governed by a board that includes physicians, nurses, and consumers. The Joint Commission sets the standards by which health care quality is measured in America and around the world.
To learn more about the Joint Commission click on the underlined Joint Commission above or click here.
What does the Joint Commission do?
The Joint Commission evaluates the quality and safety of care for more than 16,000 health care organizations. To maintain and earn accreditation, organizations must have an extensive on-site review by a team of Joint Commission health care professionals, at least once every three years. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the organization's performance in areas that affect your care. Accreditation may then be awarded based on how well the organizations met Joint Commission standards.
You can search for a health care organization on the Quality Check section of the Joint Commission website. Joint Commission-accredited organizations are identified by the Gold Seal of Approval. You can also call Joint Commission's Customer Service Department directly at (630) 792-5800 for additional information.
KaraLee's Record
KaraLee has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission 3 times in its history, both times KaraLee received the gold standard accreditation which is evident by our approved use of the gold standard logo. The most recent survey to ensure KaraLee's standards was on 8/28/09.
Selecting quality behavioral health care services for yourself, a relative or friend requires special thought and attention. The Joint Commission has prepared information to assist you in making your selection. Below are listed questions a perspective client should as about any behavioral health organization. Knowing what to look for and what to ask helps you choose an organization that provides safe, quality care, treatment and services to meet your needs.
Behavioral health care services refer to a continuum of services and settings that serve individuals and families across the life span. Begin your search by talking with behavioral health care professionals and families and peers with similar needs to identify several behavioral health care organizations. If time permits, visit each one and talk with the staff about the organization's services, policies, history and staff credentials. Then use the following questions to help you determine whether the organization meets your needs.
About the Organization:
What is the organization's service philosophy? Ask about the nature and goals of the program and what kind of clients it is designed to serve. What is the organization’s experience in helping a person like me?
Is the staff well qualified and experienced? Ask about staff credentials (education, training and licensure)
Does the organization create an individualized plan based on assessed needs? The plan of care should be updated as the needs of the client changes.
Does the organization develop a discharge plan to ensure appropriate services are provided after the individual leaves the program? How does the organization choose the other programs or agencies to refer clients to?
What interventions are utilized in the organization and what is the organization's philosophy on their use.
Client and Family Concerns:
Are adult clients the key drivers in decisions about their own care, treatment and services?
Are the buildings and grounds suitable to the nature of the services provided and the age of clients? Is there adequate space and ventilation? Is the facility clean? Does it provide a positive atmosphere?
Does the organization take time to explain the client’s rights and responsibilities? Ask to see a copy of the organization's rights and responsibilities information.
Does the organization have a procedure for receiving and resolving client complaints and the family concerning the quality of care? Ask for details.
How does the organization communicate with the families of its clients?
How does the organization communicate with foster families?
Quality Issues:
Does the organization have a quality improvement program? How does the organization ensure that care, treatment and services are delivered safely?
Is the organization accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as The Joint Commission? Joint Commission accreditation means the organization voluntarily sought accreditation and met national health and safety standards.
For any organization to receive full accreditation from the Joint Commission these questions and high standards have to be met and approved. KaraLee and Associates has met and exceeded these requirements not once but twice.
