Additional Information
The CIHQ Difference!
About CIHQ
The Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) is a member-based organization comprised of acute care hospitals, critical access hospitals and acute psychiatric hospitals across the United States. Established in 1999, our purpose is to:
- ADVOCATE on behalf of our members in shaping the accreditation and regulatory environment by working with CMS in the development of standards and regulations
- EDUCATE members on standards, regulations, and the survey process. Also, to encourage the professional growth of individuals in the field of healthcare accreditation through national certification.
- ADVISE members on changes to standards and regulations and the impact on their organization.
- ASSIST members in developing “best practice” compliance strategies, and assess survey readiness.
- IMPROVE the ability of our members to successfully meet the challenges of today’s regulatory environment.
Benefits Provided to CIHQ Accredited Organizations from Accreditation Resource Services
Standards & Regulatory Interpretation
Members are allowed unlimited access to our in-house panel of consultant experts by phone or email (preferred) to receive answers to questions / interpretation to CIHQ standards and the CMS Conditions of Participation. All inquiries are responded to within 48 – 72 hours with a clear and concise answer
Notification of Changes to Standards and Regulations
CIHQ notifies member organizations of any new or modified standard / regulation. Each alert summarizes the standard / regulation, the likely impact to members, and recommends compliance strategies.
Electronic Resource Library
Member organizations are allowed unlimited access to our electronic resource library. The library holds over 400 template policies, documents, and other tools addressing CIHQ standards and CMS requirements, as well as survey preparation tools.
The documents are formatted in Microsoft Office platforms so that they can easily be downloaded and customized. The library is updated regularly with new or revised templates as regulations are developed or changed.
Comprehensive Reference Library
Member organizations are allowed unlimited access to our comprehensive reference library. The library contains current CIHQ standards and regulations from CMS, as well as State agencies in electronic searchable formats. The library also contains literally hundreds of links to various regulatory agencies and professional societies. It is truly a one-stop shop!
Monthly Audio Conferences
Member organizations are allowed complimentary access to our highly regarded monthly audio conferences. There is no limit to the number of participants that can listen in (e.g. speaker phone).The conferences are 1–1.5 hours in length and address key CIHQ and CMS compliance issues. Speakers are usually CIHQ faculty but outside speakers are used occasionally depending on topic expertise.
All conferences include a copy of the presentation and any associated material. The audio conference is saved as an MP-3 file, and presentations are archived in the member’s only section of our web site and can be accessed by members as often as they wish.
Annual Education Program
Member organizations are entitled to send individuals at a discounted rate to CIHQ' annual Accreditation & Quality Summit.
Participants can take advantage of professional development workshops, best practice information sharing, networking, and receive the latest information in quality and patient safety from experts in the field.
Continuing Education Center
Employees of member organizations are allowed unlimited access to our repository of on-line continuing education courses. Credit is offered through the CA Board of Registered Nursing which is recognized by almost all State Boards and professional entities.
Employees can obtain the continuing education hours they need to maintain their licensure and other certifications free of charge.
Staff Training Library
We’ve scoured the regulations and have developed a repository of PowerPoint modules and post-tests that you can use to train your staff on a wide variety of mandated subjects. The modules can by uploaded into your on-line training system if you have one, or can be simply downloaded and used in a manual system. Provision
Provision of Services
Member services are provided through Accreditation Resource Services LLC - a separately licensed division of CIHQ.
Cost
Member services are provided to CIHQ accredited hospitals at no additional charge.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Traci Curtis, Chief Operating Officer
Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality
P.O. Box 1540
Mexia, TX 76667-1540
866-324-5080, Option 2
tcurtis@CIHQ.org
Traci Curtis, Chief Operating Officer
Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality
P.O. Box 1540
Mexia, TX 76667-1540
866-324-5080, Option 2
tcurtis@CIHQ.org