Overview: To ensure quality and integrity, there are standards required for the documentation of health records. This assignment is designed to have you research and become familiar with the major accrediting bodies that govern health record documentation. As you write this paper, you should also consider the case scenario and the Content and Documentation section of the final project training manual.

Prompt: Write a short paper describing three of the major entities and accrediting bodies (from the list below) that govern patient health record documentation, as well as their recommended best practices to maintain integrity of data. In addition, provide two to three examples of common violations in reference to the described regulations, as well as potential strategies that can be applied to minimize these violations.

The following is the list of organizations that provide accreditation and establish standards for healthcare. Select three from the list on which to focus your short paper:  Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) (Note: With this link, you have access to JCAHO’s standards.)  National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)  American Medical Accreditation Program (AMAP)  American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (AAHC/URAC)  Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Specifically, your short paper should address the following elements:

 Explain the basics and main purposes of documentation standards.  Describe three major regulatory accrediting bodies and the role these organizations play in health record documentation standards.  Describe documentation best practices to maintain data integrity from the entities and accrediting bodies, and explain how these practices help to maintain data integrity.  Provide two to three examples of common documentation violations in reference to the identified regulations and best practices. Ensure you include references to support your examples.  Recommend two to three potential strategies that can be applied to minimize documentation violations. Ensure you include references to support your recommendations.

Rubric

Guidelines for Submission: Your paper must be submitted as a 2- to 4-page Microsoft Word document (not including the title page and references). Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and one-inch margins. Adhere to the latest edition of APA formatting. Your paper must also include a minimum of two professional citations in APA format.