Proposed disruptive behavior standard up for field review

The Joint Commission on Dec. 21 posted to its Web site a proposed standard for disruptive behavior. The Joint Commission seeks comments on the proposed standard, LD.3.15, which is open for field review until Jan. 24, 2007.

According to the rationale for the proposed standard, disruptive behavior can include verbal or non-verbal behavior that intimidate staff and threaten the culture of safety. Leaders must set expectations for behavior among those who work in the organization at all levels, including administration, management, volunteers, and practitioners.

Certain expectations respecting the management of disruptive behavior are covered in the proposed new culture of safety standard for the Leadership chapter that is already in process, according to the field review.

Proposed elements of performance include:

• Leaders develop a code of conduct that applies to everyone in the organization
• The code of conduct defines desirable and disruptive behavior
• All who work in the organization are educated about desirable and disruptive behaviors
• Leaders develop a process for managing disruptive behavior
• The organized medical staff manages disruptive behavior by physicians granted clinical privileges
• Leaders establish a fair hearing process for those who exhibit disruptive behavior

To access the field review, click here.