*TS: –  Ensuring Staff Competency: Complying with HR.01.06.01[®] [REF: BHC, HR, RN] The Source, January 2014, Vol 12, #1, Pg 12  #JCs1401_B5

In 2011 and 2012 HR.01.06.01 was the 8th most frequently cited standard for BHC organizations. Last year (2013) its rank rose dramatically to 4th most frequent. Given this, it is not surprising that TJC would focus an article on this standard.  The article reinforces the need to document the required competencies and the importance of basing those competencies on the population(s) served, therapies provided, and using a “peer or supervisor with competency in the same areas” (vs. administrative supervisor), especially for assessing position-specific skills. The PEARL, however, in this article, is in the last paragraph of column A in which the authors provide a half dozen specific examples for potential competencies. For example, “Does the treatment plan they developed match the needs identified”?
Tip: First ensure there are written competencies documented for every staff member. Then make sure they have been updated to be consistent with any significant changes in the patient population(s) served or services they are expected to provide.