By Kim Harvey Looney

The Joint Commission announced the introduction of new standards require accredited healthcare organizations to address bad behaviors.  While healthcare leaders and caregivers have recognized for years that intimidating and disruptive behaviors are a serious problem, the Joint Commission goes a step further and states that such behavior poses a serious threat to patient safety and the overall quality of care.   The new standards apply to hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, laboratories, ambulatory care facilities, and behavioral healthcare facilities.  These entities have long struggled with healthcare professionals with intimidating and disruptive behaviors.  The Joint Commission is going to assist accredited healthcare organizations  in dealing with this issue by requiring them to create a code of conduct that defines acceptable and unacceptable behaviors as well as to develop the process to deal with those professionals who exhibit behaviors that are unacceptable.  The Sentinel Event Alert recommends that healthcare organizations take 11 specific steps to help put an end to intimidating and disruptive behaviors, including implementing a zero tolerance policy, providing education, and holding all team members accountable for behavior.  The new Leadership standard that addresses disruptive and inappropriate behaviors will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.