For Immediate Release
Contact:
Diane Wiffin, Public Affairs Director
508-422-3317

Harold W. Clarke

Commissioner

Milford (April 29, 2009)--Bridgewater State Hospital, a secure mental health hospital operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) with clinical services provided by MHM Inc. successfully completed it third tri-annual re-accreditation survey by The Joint Commission.  The Joint Commission accredits thousands of health care organizations throughout the Unites States such as community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and laboratories.  BSH was initially accredited by The Joint Commission under its behavioral health care standards in 2003, making it one of only a small number of state correctional institutions in the nation which is so accredited by the Joint Commission.

“Maintaining Joint Commission accreditation during these difficult financial times speaks volumes about the commitment and quality of staff, both public and private employees who serve the citizens of the Commonwealth by working atBridgewater State Hospital, “ said Superintendent Karin Bergeron.  “Their dedication to this difficult population is inspiring.”

During the most recent survey which was completed on April 15, 2009, BSH was determined to be in substantial compliance with nearly all of the behavioral health care standards set forth by The Joint Commission.  There are nearly 300 such standards and virtually all of them have multiple elements of performance with which an organization must comply to be accredited.  These cover functions ranging from the assessment and care of patients to the environment of care, medication safety, and communication.

In order to maintain its Joint Commission accreditation status, BSH had to meet the same standards that The Joint Commission uses for health care organizations in the community.  Because The Joint Commission has been nationally recognized for setting the standard for health care in America for over 50years, BSH’s accomplishment is especially noteworthy given the special challenges of providing health care to inmates in a correctional setting.

About Bridgewater State Hospital

Bridgewater State Hospital’s mission is the establishment and maintenance of a safe, secure and humane environment to all persons requiring specialized care and treatment.  In all cases, the patients that are admitted to this facility may be charged with or convicted of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to major felonies.  Massachusetts General Law requires that individuals who are determined to be in need of strict security because of the potential for endangering themselves or others be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital.

About MHM Inc.

Beginning in July  2007, MHM Inc. has provided comprehensive mental health services to all of the inmates in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Correction, including the management of care at Bridgewater State Hospital.  MHM Inc. is in the forefront of correctional mental health care and forensic evaluations in jails and prisons throughout the country.

About The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States in an effort to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public.  An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.