It’s no secret that the healthcare industry is undergoing significant changes, and bracing for even more. Many of these changes are led by technology, such as EHRs and artificial intelligence. This new technology often leads to changes in industry and regulatory standards.
Ongoing issues, such as rising healthcare costs and the national opioid crisis, are also prompting their own changes, such as Medicare expansion and electronic prescribing requirements.
Major changes brought on by changing state and federal standards can be overwhelming, confusing, and frustrating for behavioral health and addiction treatment providers. So how do you do it? Here are some general tips to help keep you from falling behind.
1. Keep up with best practices.
It’s easier to respond quickly and effectively to new regulatory standards if you are already following industry best practices, even when they are not mandated by a governing body.
Many state or federal regulatory changes are influenced by organizations that help create and promote best practices, such as standards set forth by accreditation organizations. By joining an industry association or accreditation organization, such as CARF, or even just following their recommendations, your organization can be better prepared to follow new mandates when they take effect.
BestNotes make this easy with ready to use documentation that automatically updates to keep up to date with standards.
2. Create a culture of change
Employees are often resistant to change, and for good reason: it can be disruptive and distracting. Frequent changes can reduce employee engagement, which can negatively affect teamwork and productivity, and even increase errors.
Healthcare providers and organizations can help create a culture of change and adaptation. Make sure that change and resiliency is part of your organization’s mission and values. For example, a mission to provide the best patient care should include willingness to change if the change will improve patient care.
Demonstrate to your employees the benefits of a more adaptive, innovative culture. Seek employee feedback and address their concerns. Make sure employees know they are valued team members, and give them room to make mistakes as they adjust to changes.
3. Engage with third parties.
Regulatory changes that impact behavioral health or addiction treatment providers are likely to affect third-party partners, so make sure your vendors and other business partners are also prepared for regulatory changes.
Ask vendors about any industry or regulatory standards that may affect them and how they are preparing for any upcoming changes. Ask them about the standards and best practices they currently follow, and whether they are members of any accreditation organizations or other industry associations. Such membership demonstrates a dedication to uphold standards within their industry.
For example, BestNotes is a member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), which is committed to providing advocacy, training, and other support to maintain the “highest quality of addiction treatment.” BestNotes is also a member of the HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association (EHRA), which aims to accelerate health information and technology, promote interoperability, and improve healthcare quality through EHR use.
Stay up-to-date and ahead of the curve with your behavioral health EHR
BestNotes EHR and CRM solutions were designed with the behavioral health and addiction treatment provider in mind.
BestNotes’ many features offer peace of mind for both providers and patients, allowing you to provide better care and streamline your office operations. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free demo.