Course Curriculum

General acute hospitals and soon, critical access hospitals must comply with CMS regulations protecting patient rights. According to CMS and accrediting organizations such as DNV and The Joint Commission, one of the most-cited condition-level deficiencies is patient rights and responsibilities. Within that condition, most non compliances come from the regulations governing the provision of care in a safe environment, abuse, restraints and seclusion.

Learning Objectives
• Describe CMS’ requirements for providing care in a safe environment for patients, specifically those who are suicidal or in need of behavioral health services.
• Describe which patient rights regulations are the greatest risk for citation and how to prevent those citations.
• Discuss CMS definitions of restraints and seclusion.
• Discuss the difference between a complaint and grievance.

Speaker Bio
Nancy Ruzicka is a consultant on state and federal rules, regulations and interpretative guidelines. Ruzicka previously worked as director of integrity and compliance and privacy official at MercyOne Des Moines and director of regulatory compliance at UnityPoint Health-Des Moines. She also has more than 20 years of experience with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Ruzicka holds master’s degrees in health law and business administration and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, all from Drake University. She is certified in health care compliance and maintains her Iowa pharmacy license.

Cost: $195

This webinar is brought to you by the NHA in partnership with the Iowa Hospital Association.