Treatment Planning

From a PMHI survey perspective, the of setting and measuring of treatment plan goals is often found less than adequate.

We recommend visiting The State Operations Manual / Regulations and Interpretive Guidelines for Hospitals, published by The Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), for clear interpretation and guidance for establishing patient centered treatment plans.

A-1642   §482.61(c)(1)(ii) Short-term and long-range goals;

Interpretive Guidelines §482.61(c)(1)(ii)

Short-term and long-range goals include specific dates for expected achievement. As goals are achieved, the treatment plan should be revised. When a goal is modified, changed, or discontinued without achievement, the plan should be reviewed for relevancy, and updated as needed.
The long-range goal is achieved through the development of a series of short-term goals, i.e., smaller, logical sequential steps which will result in reaching the long-range goal. Both the short-term and long-range goals must be stated as expected behavioral outcomes for the patient. Goals must be related to the problems identified for treatment. Goals must be written as observable, measurable patient behaviors to be achieved. Discharge criteria may be included as long-range goals.

• How do treatment plan goals relate to the problems being treated?
• Do goals indicate the outcomes to be achieved by the patient?
• Are the goals written in a way that allow changes in the patient’s behavior to be measured?