Managing the Forensic Patient

Write a briefing note (about 2-3 pages) directed to the person that might be your Manager of Risk Management outlining how your organization is meeting The Joint Commission Standards related to forensic patients.

Research your workplace setting to determine if you are working in a Joint Commission accredited organization.

If your organization is accredited follow Assignment A.

If your organization is not accredited or you are not working in a non-accredited healthcare setting follow Assignment B.

Assignment A: Find the policies, procedures, and guidelines that ensure your organization address the above noted Joint Commission stated responsibilities. Write a briefing note that you might send to the manager of your risk management department titled Managing the Forensic Patient. Outline the standards noted above with a brief description of the highlights of how your organization has addressed these standards.

Critically analyze two areas:

1) Are there any gaps in the policies/procedures or guidelines in meeting these standards? Identify the gaps and indicate what steps should be taken to address them.
2) If there are appropriate policies/procedures or guidelines in place on paper, are they being followed in practice. Outline your analysis either way.

Note: Remember this is a briefing note, not an essay. Be clear and succinct in your communications.

Assignment B: If you are not working in a healthcare setting that is not currently accredited by TJC, determine if they still have policies, procedures, and guidelines that address these or similar possible forensic issues? Or does your organization have no policies, procedures, and guidelines in place?

Critically analyze the intent of these standards concerning your organization and determine an outline of what policies, procedures, and guidelines should be put in place to address these forensic client/patient issues.

Write a briefing note that you might send to the manager of your risk management department titled Managing the Forensic Client or Patient (or choose a title appropriate to your setting). Discuss the standards and how they might relate to your particular workplace setting. If you are not working in a health care setting describe how the intent of those standards might be applied in your workplace setting.