Action Alerts

JCAHO Revises the Sentinel Event Policy
October 2005

The JCAHO has just released in its October 2005 publication, PERSPECTIVES, with changes to the Sentinel Event Policy. See pages 4, 5, 6 and 11 in the article. Subscribers may access their account and read the article in its’ entirety.

The Joint’s Sentinel Event Resource Index, found on the website did not have notification of these changes as of the date of this release. Continue to check the Joint’s website for announcements

The Sentinel Event changes go into effect January 1, 2006.

In essence, the changes are to the timeframes for Root Cause Analysis (“RCA”) and Action Plan submission, and acceptability communications during the quest for RCA resolution. 

Very specific days are assigned for each step of the RCA submission and subsequent communications to resolve the issues to Joint’s satisfaction. Failure to submit and resolve RCA issues will automatically stimulate the various recommendation for accreditation status alteration and, possibly, preliminary denial of accreditation.

This timely notification was brought to you by The Quality Management Consulting Group, Ltd. (QMCG), your partners in medical staff quality improvement.

Please call QMCG at (614) 227-4848 or visit www.qmcg.com with questions or to secure your free and confidential proposal for medical staff services, such as objective peer review.