What is the difference in

allnurses Guide · Aug 26, 2005

Well, the state has an obligation to regulate its hospitals, and so they visit them on occasion to see how things are running. If they find violations such as an unclean environment, unsafe practices, etc.. they issue penalties. What exactly those penalties are, I'm not clear.

JCAHO is a nationwide organization which accredits hospitals and other health care organizations. If a hospital fails to have their accredation renewed by JCAHO due to violations or what have you, it has pretty nasty consequences. Again, I'm not totally sure WHAT those consequences are. Our hospital has always done just fine with both organizations.

I guess that's the big difference.. State is statewide, JCAHO is a national organization. Now, I'm not sure if JCAHO is actually a branch of the federal government, or not.

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2005

JCAHO accreditation is tied to Medicare reimbursement. Theoretically, a facility could survive without accreditation (in my understanding).

State surveys are typically through the Department of Health or whatever your state calls that part of the government. The state can levy fines or shut you down.

(The above represents an extremely simplistic view...I welcome clarification from others!) :rolleyes:

DonnaRN · Aug 26, 2005

The only thing I might add is that JCAHO is a voluntary survey and the facility must pay (quite a bit, from what I understand) for the evaluation. It's kind of a "status symbol" thing in the healthcare industry. (That's what I've been told, anyway!) :clown:

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Aug 26, 2005

State survey is mandatory for all SNF's and is a surprise visit. The consequences of a bad survey can be devastating including fines and stopping admissions. JCHAO is voluntary.We pay them to come survey us so if we pass we can say we are accredited. Around here, the only difference it makes is certain Managed Care companies require any facility they have a contract with to be accredited.

aandersonrn · Aug 27, 2005

State comes in unannounced and can levy fines, shut you down or put a ban on admissions. My advice is if they ask a question answer that one, make copies of everything that you give them, and if you do not know an answer tell them that you will research that and get back to them. Tell your CNA's if they are questioned and do not know the answer to tell the surveyor that she/he will ask the charge nurse and get back to them.

ZZTopRN, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2005

What is the difference in State surveys and JCAHO?
Is the state survey for LTC and JCAHO?

I surmise that what everyone posted is true. It seems true it is a money making thing for JACHO. A prestige thing as you say. But would the state "swoop down" on a hospital the same way it does with a LTC? I would imagine if anyone thought there were problems with the hospitals they could always call the state?

aandersonrn · Aug 28, 2005

I called state on a local hospital that gave my mother in law scripture in place of diabetic information post ketoacidosis and was told that since the hospital was certified by JACHO they do not follow up on complaints, no such luck for LTC

William_SRNA · Aug 28, 2005

Some hospitals that cannot afford to have JCAHO can have certain state agencies certify the facility.

ZZTopRN, BSN, RN · Aug 29, 2005

I called state on a local hospital that gave my mother in law scripture in place of diabetic information post ketoacidosis and was told that since the hospital was certified by JACHO they do not follow up on complaints, no such luck for LTC

"they do not follow up on complaints." Something sounds not to my liking.