Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Keith D. Bostick (Deputy Director)
Department: Human Services Division: Broward Addiction Recovery
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO AUTHORIZE Human Services Department Director or Deputy Director to execute agreements, including renewals and amendments, between The Joint Commission (“TJC”) and Broward County, with each agreement subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, to provide accreditation services to the Broward Addiction Recovery Division (“BARC”), in a cumulative amount not to exceed $25,000 annually, and authorize the County Administrator to take any necessary budgetary and administrative actions to implement each applicable agreement.
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Why Action is Necessary
Agreements with external agencies and delegation of authority require approval by the Board of County Commissioners (“Commission”).
What Action Accomplishes
This action authorizes the Human Services Department Director or Deputy Director to execute accreditation agreements with TJC.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
None
Summary Explanation/Background
THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE BROWARD ADDICTION RECOVERY DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
This item supports the Commission’s value of “consistently delivering responsive, effective, quality services to the public and internal customers” and the goal to “create a system of expectation and accountability across the institution that assures effective communication, continuous performance review and improvement.” Accreditation through TJC establishes a standard of safe and effective care which BARC maintains through the provision of high-quality services to Broward County residents.
Typically, an agency must undergo an on-site re-accreditation survey at least every three years. However, TJC has delayed the standard on-site re-accreditation surveys for the OTP and Behavioral Health Programs due to COVID-19 safety concerns. TJC has requested a virtual re-accreditation survey, which will take place after an agreement that includes the virtual survey process is executed. Additionally, BARC requests ongoing execution delegation at the department level because TJC’s agreements are “click-through” agreements (sometimes called “click and accept” and “web-wrap” agreements), which deviates from the County’s standard process.
TJC is an independent, non-profit organization that offers health care accreditation and related services to support the provision of quality healthcare services. An organization must undergo a comprehensive evaluation demonstrating its compliance with established best practices and standards. TJC has accredited and certified more than 22,000 health care agencies in the United States.
BARC has received accreditation from TJC for its Behavioral Health Program since 1999. In 2016, BARC received an additional accreditation for its Opioid Treatment (“OTP”) Program.
All agreements with TJC will be reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office prior to acceptance by the Human Services Department Director or Deputy Director. Venue for any lawsuit under the agreements is in the State of Illinois.
Source of Additional Information
Jack Feinberg, Director, Broward Addiction Recovery Center, (954) 357-4860
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The estimated cost of this action is $25,000. Funding is allocated in the Fiscal Year 2021 Broward Addiction Recovery Division Budget.