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NCCHC's 2008 Mental Health Standards and Accreditation Program
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Standards Concept Comparison |
| The new mental
health standards are in synch with the standards for
health services, although there are minor
variations. To see how they stack up, consult this
Concept Comparison chart. |
NCCHC is
introducing standards specifically for mental health services, to be accompanied by a voluntary
accreditation program that will begin in late 2008. These tools
can help facilities determine proper levels of care, organize
systems more effectively and efficiently, and demonstrate that
constitutional requirements are being met.
This program is
designed for mental health services that operate under an
authority different from health services. Ideally both would
seek accreditation together, but in cases where that does not
happen, this program provides another option for the facility’s
mental health component.
The mental
health services accreditation program will operate in the same
manner as that for health services. That is, it involves an
on-site survey and professional judgment as to whether the
applicant meets the NCCHC Standards for Mental Health
Services in Correctional Facilities.
Likewise, the
mental health standards parallel those for health services in
both format and substance. The difference is that they make more
explicit what the standards require for adequate delivery of
mental health services. The standards cover the general areas of
care and treatment, clinical records, administration, personnel
and relevant legal issues.
As always,
NCCHC will assist correctional facilities in meeting the
standards and in their ongoing improvement in delivery of care.
Contact us:
Director of Accreditation
National Commission on Correctional Health Care
1145 W. Diversey Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60614
773-880-1460
info@ncchc.org
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