DENVER (Dec. 3, 2021) — The Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP) has earned accreditation from The Joint Commission for the next three years after successfully demonstrating continuous compliance with performance standards and providing safe and quality patient care.
In November, The Joint Commission conducted a regular, onsite review that evaluated CMHIP’s compliance with acute care hospital standards, including psychiatric standards, infection prevention and control and patient safety. The Joint Commission develops standards in consultation with health care experts, providers and patients and evaluates CMHIP every three years.
“I am proud that CMHIP continues to earn this esteemed designation from The Joint Commission,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services, which oversees CMHIP. “We are constantly striving to improve safety and treatment practices so all patients under our care can heal and thrive.”
CMHIP is currently renovating patient units to make environmental modifications for suicide mitigation within the hospital. The legislature approved a $4.1 million emergency supplemental FY 21-22 budget request to fund the projects, and Gov. Jared Polis requested another $5.1 million capital request in his FY 22-23 budget proposal to make additional risk mitigation updates.
With renovations underway, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) also placed CMHIP back into compliance, ensuring CMHIP will continue to receive Medicaid and Medicare funding. CDPHE licenses CMHIP as an acute care psychiatric hospital.
The accreditation comes as the state contends with increased demand for inpatient competency services. As of Nov. 30, nearly 350 individuals were waiting in jail for inpatient competency services, which include court-ordered competency examinations and behavioral health treatment. CMHIP is one of three providers that offer inpatient competency services for the state.
Media contact:
Madlynn Ruble, Deputy Director of Communications
madlynn.ruble@state.co.us
303.866.3411