Q&A: How to remain compliant (Part I)

Q: What are some basic strategies I can use to encourage my staff to stay compliant at all times?

A: Successful organizations keep the momentum going by incorporating ongoing compliance readiness into their day-to-day operations. There are practical ways to accomplish this:

1. Incorporate operational practice into policies and procedures supporting the standard practice of care rather than creating a document in which practice must follow.
2. Hard-wire compliance.
3. Keep ongoing compliance front and center for staff members. Use communication vehicles such as posters and staff newsletters to highlight efforts and standards. Use fun ways to do this, such as asking a Patient Safety or Quality Question of the Month, creating a crossword puzzle of important terms and requirements such as the NPSGs, or simply noting an issue on tabletop tents in the cafeteria.
4. Celebrate positive accomplishments. Staff members are always motivated when they realize that all their hard work has yielded positive results. Highlight those involved.

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