Due 4/28/17 10:00 a.m. 100 percent original with 1000-1200 words with at least 3 scholarly references APA format.
The proposed mental health facility located in California will ensure it looks at ways of ensuring protection from discrimination, youth services, and integration of systems used in educating about mental health, physical health, and substance abuse. In doing the above the proposed facility will aim at achieving true quality in healthcare systems by integrating primary care with mental health care. The facility will therefore aim at increasing outpatient services through improved homecare and aftercare, awareness creation among others. The facility will ensure there is no disparity in treatment, and can mitigate this by using evidence based practice guideline to improve on detection and treatment, as well as improving patient compliance with mental health appointments and medication.
You must now identify and discuss some of the legal and ethical considerations that must be taken into account in constructing your proposed facility that is listed above.
You are required to include the following:
- Define and discuss the differences between licensure, certification, and accreditation as they relate to health care facilities.
- Discuss the ethical or legal requirements and responsibilities that a health care organization has in ensuring its facility is licensed, certified, and accredited. When discussing licensure requirements, ensure that you research requirements based on the state in which you reside.
- Define and discuss the differences between the licensure and certification as they relate to health care providers or professionals.
- Discuss the ethical or legal requirements and responsibilities that a health care organization has in ensuring its staff members are licensed and certified.
- Research and discuss an accrediting body that will provide accreditation to the facility you are proposing. Ensure that you provide a history of the organization, what types of facilities they accredit, and how the organization has impacted the quality of health care in the United States.
Note: You must include a minimum of 3 scholarly references.
Please submit your assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In the proposed mental health facility located in California, the focus is on ensuring protection from discrimination, youth services, and the integration of systems used in educating about mental health, physical health, and substance abuse. To achieve true quality in healthcare, it is essential to consider legal and ethical considerations in constructing the facility. This response will define and discuss the differences between licensure, certification, and accreditation as they relate to healthcare facilities, as well as examine the ethical and legal requirements and responsibilities of a healthcare organization in ensuring its facility is licensed, certified, and accredited.
1. Define and discuss the differences between licensure, certification, and accreditation as they relate to healthcare facilities.
Licensure refers to the legal permission granted by a government authority that allows an individual or an organization to provide a specific service. In the context of healthcare facilities, licensure ensures that the facility meets predetermined criteria for safety, quality, and competency. It is essential for a facility to obtain a license to operate legally and provide healthcare services to the community.
Certification, on the other hand, is a voluntary process that verifies the competencies and expertise of healthcare facilities. Certification is often performed by a professional organization or a specific certification body. It requires the facility to meet certain standards or guidelines set by the certifying organization, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in a specific area of healthcare.
Accreditation is a formal recognition process that certifies the overall quality, safety, and compliance of a healthcare facility. Accreditation is conducted by an accrediting agency, which evaluates the facility’s adherence to specific standards and guidelines. Accreditation assures patients, healthcare providers, and stakeholders that the facility meets or exceeds the standards of care, thus promoting trust and confidence in the healthcare services being provided.
2. Discuss the ethical or legal requirements and responsibilities that a healthcare organization has in ensuring its facility is licensed, certified, and accredited.
A healthcare organization has both ethical and legal obligations in ensuring its facility is licensed, certified, and accredited. Ethically, the organization has a responsibility to provide safe and high-quality care to patients. Licensure, certification, and accreditation contribute to ensuring that the organization meets ethical obligations by operating within legal frameworks and adhering to recognized standards. By obtaining these credentials, the organization demonstrates accountability and commitment to patients, their families, and the community.
Legally, healthcare organizations are required to comply with state and federal regulations to obtain and maintain licensure. Failure to do so may result in penalties, fines, and even closure of the facility. Licensing requirements vary by state, and healthcare organizations must research and adhere to the specific requirements of the state in which they operate.
3. Define and discuss the differences between licensure and certification as they relate to healthcare providers or professionals.
Licensure and certification also apply to healthcare providers or professionals, although with some key differences.
Licensure for healthcare providers establishes the legal authority for an individual to practice their profession. It ensures that providers have the necessary educational qualifications, clinical skills, and ethical standards to deliver safe and effective care to patients. Licensure requirements are usually determined by state licensing boards and vary depending on the profession and the specific state.
Certification, on the other hand, is a voluntary credentialing process for healthcare providers that verifies their expertise and specialization in a particular area of care. Certification is typically offered by professional organizations and demonstrates a provider’s commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in their field. While licensure is required to practice, certification serves to enhance professional credibility and demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills.
4. Discuss the ethical or legal requirements and responsibilities that a healthcare organization has in ensuring its staff members are licensed and certified.
Healthcare organizations have ethical and legal obligations to ensure their staff members are appropriately licensed and certified.
Ethically, it is crucial to safeguard patient safety and well-being by employing qualified and competent healthcare professionals. By verifying licenses and certifications, organizations can ensure that their staff members meet the necessary educational and competency requirements to provide quality care.
Legally, employing licensed and certified staff is essential to comply with state regulations and professional practice requirements. Healthcare organizations must validate licenses and certifications during the hiring process and continuously monitor their staff’s credentials to maintain compliance. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences, such as fines, loss of licensure, or malpractice claims.
5. Research and discuss an accrediting body that will provide accreditation to the facility you are proposing.
One accrediting body that can provide accreditation to the proposed mental health facility is the Joint Commission (JC). The Joint Commission has a long history of accrediting healthcare organizations in the United States and is widely recognized for its rigorous standards.
Founded in 1951, the Joint Commission’s primary focus is to improve the quality and safety of healthcare. It accredits a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and behavioral health organizations. The organization’s accreditation process involves an in-depth evaluation of the facility’s compliance with performance standards related to patient care, safety, and quality improvement.
The Joint Commission’s accreditation has had a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in the United States. Accreditation by the Joint Commission demonstrates a commitment to meeting or exceeding industry standards, fostering continuous improvement, and ensuring patient-centered care.
In conclusion, constructing a mental health facility involves various legal and ethical considerations. Licensure, certification, and accreditation are critical elements in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of healthcare facilities. Healthcare organizations have ethical and legal responsibilities to obtain and maintain these credentials. Additionally, ensuring staff members are appropriately licensed and certified is essential. The Joint Commission is an accrediting body that could provide accreditation to the proposed mental health facility, based on its history and impact on healthcare quality in the United States.
References:
1. American Hospital Association. (2016). Hospital Accreditation. Retrieved from
2. Joint Commission. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from
3. Kuzmuch, R. (2020). Licensure, Certification, and Accreditation as Quality Measures in Healthcare Organizations. The Health Care Manager, 39(4), 293-300. doi: 10.1097/HCM.0000000000000333
