Accreditation Guru News
September 2023
September Update
Fourteen years! As Accreditation Guru celebrates its fourteenth anniversary, we are launching a series of brand-new videos, congratulating three organizations that achieved (re)accreditation over the summer, and welcoming some potential advancements for behavioral healthcare at the federal level. Read on to learn more!
#PrepareforGreatness
 
 
 
 
Accreditation 101

For those who may be new to the accreditation game, in this video Jennifer goes over the basics of accreditation, including "how" and the "why" of accreditation for your organization.

SHOP TALK
National Research Agenda for a 21st Century Child and Family Well-Being System
CWLA is hosting the website for the National Research Agenda for a 21st Century Child and Family Well- Being System. This effort creates a comprehensive national research agenda for modernizing the child welfare system – addressing gaps in knowledge, practice, and policy. The website provides an executive summary of the project as well as the full report identifying 23 high priority research gaps in the areas of community-based prevention, child protective services, out-of-home care and workforce. 
Happy Anniversary, NIMH!
This month, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) celebrates 75 years of transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses! 
Joint Commission and NQF Affiliation
The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum (NQF) have announced a strategic affiliation with a goal to improve Joint Commission’s accreditation process to be more evidence-based, data-driven and outcomes-oriented. One of the current NQF initiative is to advance outcome measures for behavioral health conditions such as anxiety and depression. More information will be shared as the impact of this affiliation on the behavioral health care accreditation process unfolds. 
2023-2026 SAMHSA Strategic Plan
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced its 2023- 2026 Strategic Plan identifying priorities in the prevention of substance use/overdose and suicide; promoting children/youth/families’ mental health; integration of behavioral and physical health care; and, strengthening the behavioral health workforce.

(Need help with your strategic planning? AG is here to help!) 
Encouraging News for BH at the Federal Level
More Funding for EHR! - A US House of Representatives bill has been introduced for expended funding for electronic health records (EHR) for behavioral health care providers. This bill addresses the disparity of EHR funding between physical and behavioral health care providers. 

Enhanced Parity for Behavioral Health Care - A new rule to strengthen the enforcement of the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) was introduced on July 25, 2023 by the US Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury so that people can access behavioral health services as easily as they can access physical health services. Next step is publication in the Federal Register for public comments. 
Fewer Joint Commission Standards
Wondering what behavioral health care standards were eliminated by The Joint Commission as of June 2023? Contact AG for the list of deleted standards! 
CONGRATULATIONS!
We were happy to be a trusted partner with these organizations as they achieved (re)accreditation. Their hard work has paid off and we are celebrating their commitment to quality care!
Joint Commission Accredited - July 2023
Located across California, this organization specializes in the treatment of anxiety-based disorders by using Exposure Response Prevention, a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. When asked what it was like working with AG, Dr. Kulburg said, "Yvonne was very knowledgeable and thorough; her detail orientation, as well as ability to stick to the topic and task at hand to keep us on track when revising policies and procedures was stellar!" Thank you to Dr. Kulberg and her wonderful team.
COA Reaccredited - July 2023
This Michigan organization is dedicated to creating better futures for children who enter into foster care. By creating a community of belonging, resiliency, and hope, they ensure that both children and families will thrive.

"WMPC hired Accreditation Guru to support us through our reaccreditation. Our consultant, Bobbie, was affable and supportive. Bobbie was overall very thorough and attentive to the complex needs of our agency. We are thankful for her support getting us to the finish line - an expedited accreditation!"
IACET Accredited - July 2023
Based in Washington, D.C., PERC is dedicated to educating people on the environmental benefits of using propane-based energy. Their website is home to a wealth of resources, including training courses for those who wish to improve their knowledge of propane sales, marketing, and safety. Now, their continuing and education program has achieved IACET accreditation, well done!
UPCOMING EVENTS
September
13 - 14
St. Louis, MO
IACET - International Association for Continuing Education and Training Annual Conference
Jennifer will be at this conference to answer your questions about all things accreditation! Schedule some time for a one-on-one with Jennifer, or stop by the AG booth! You can learn more about this conference by clicking here.
October
3 - 5
Cleveland, OH
CCUSA - Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering
If you'll be in Columbus, make sure to catch Jennifer at the AG booth! You can also email us to schedule some time for a one-on-one. Learn more about this conference by clicking here.
October
9 - 11
Houston, TX
TCCAC - Texas Child Care Administrators Conference
Jennifer will be exhibiting at this conference, so don't miss her! You can schedule some time for a one-on-one, or visit the AG booth to ask about all things accreditation! You can learn more about this conference by clicking here.
#Travel Season
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