Healthcare facilities play a crucial role in providing care, and the right behavioral health products can enhance the safety and well-being of patients. In this article, we will explore a wide range of new behavioral health products that are available to support healthcare projects.

Enhancing Healthcare with Innovative Behavioral Health Products

530/538 Collection by ModuForm Inc.

ModuForm Inc.'s 530/538 Collection of rotationally molded lounge seating stands out with its seamless one-piece design. The ligature-resistant line boasts a vinyl outer layer that is up to 10 times thicker than traditional textiles, significantly reducing punctures and tearing. Its high-density and flexible polyurethane foam core adds to its durability. This collection offers a unique seating option that combines style and safety.The one-piece design not only gives a sleek look but also ensures there are no hidden crevices or spaces where patients could potentially harm themselves. The thick vinyl outer layer provides an extra layer of protection, making it a reliable choice for healthcare settings. The foam core offers comfort while maintaining its structural integrity.

Solstice Safeguard Bed by Cortech BH

Cortech BH's Solstice Safeguard Bed (patent pending) is specifically designed for fall-risk patients in behavioral health settings. Its 9-inch-high wall panels at the head of the bed are free of pass-throughs, providing enhanced safety and a sense of security. This design feature helps prevent patients from getting stuck or injured.The absence of pass-throughs in the wall panels creates a more enclosed and protected space for patients. The high walls offer a physical barrier, reducing the risk of falls and providing peace of mind for healthcare staff. The bed's overall construction is focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of patients with specific needs.

Strait Secure Ceiling and Wall Slots by Kirlin Lighting

Kirlin Lighting's Strait Secure Ceiling and Wall Slots are ligature- and vandal-resistant, with concealed tamper-proof fasteners. Available in lengths from 12 inches to 6 feet, these fixtures offer flexibility in installation. The static white, tunable white, or color-changing options add to the versatility of the product.The ligature-resistant design is crucial in preventing patients from using the slots for self-harm. The concealed tamper-proof fasteners ensure the security of the fixtures and prevent unauthorized access or tampering. The various color options allow for customization based on the specific needs and aesthetics of the healthcare facility.

Ligature-resistant Faucets by Willoughby Industries

Willoughby Industries' ligature-resistant faucets feature a contoured design to minimize potential ligature points. The cast stainless-steel faucets come in multiple configurations, including a single-temperature, infrared style or a dual-temperature, pushbutton model with either a piezo or pneumatic actuation.The contoured design eliminates sharp edges and corners that could be used for ligature purposes. The different configurations offer options to suit different user preferences and requirements. The use of cast stainless-steel ensures durability and resistance to corrosion.

CoWin Digital Media Wall by Recornect

Recornect's CoWin Digital Media Wall can be used for de-escalation and patient care. Paired with the manufacturer's GRASP software, it has a customizable interface with relaxing applications, collaborative games, light and temperature controls, and external communication capabilities. The unit features shatter-resistant glass and a large touch screen.The customizable interface allows healthcare staff to tailor the media wall to meet the specific needs of each patient. The relaxing applications and collaborative games can help divert patients' attention and reduce stress. The shatter-resistant glass and large touch screen provide a user-friendly and safe experience.

Adora Plus by Pineapple

The Adora Plus, the newest model in Pineapple's sofa collection, features a curved shape and heavy weight to deter lifting. The low back improves visibility, while the reinforced construction and zero-depth seams prevent concealment. The hollow piping reduces ligature risks, and the plinth base keeps dust and dirt from gathering underneath.The curved shape gives the sofa a modern and elegant look while also adding to its stability. The heavy weight makes it difficult for patients to move or lift the sofa, enhancing safety. The reinforced construction ensures the sofa's durability over time.

BestCare Ligature Resistant, ADA, and Vandal-Resistant Solid Surface Toilet by Whitehall Manufacturing

Whitehall Manufacturing's BestCare toilet features a non-institutional design with fewer punchings (holes for installation), a matching interior bowl, side walls, and a colored built-in seat. It conforms to Americans with Disabilities Act and standard North American plumbing requirements and works with a standard flush valve, with a 5,000-pound load bearing.The non-institutional design gives the toilet a more aesthetically pleasing look, suitable for healthcare environments. The matching interior components and colored seat add to its overall appeal. The compliance with ADA standards ensures accessibility for all patients.

Joy Collection by Designtex

Designtex's Joy Collection upholstery features abstract motifs inspired by nature and colors known to evoke positive emotions such as yellows, blues, and greens. The line comes in eight high-performance woven textiles, five wovens, two digitally printed non-porous silicone textiles, and a digitally printed textile with a built-in moisture barrier.The abstract motifs add a touch of artistry to the upholstery, creating a pleasant and calming environment. The use of specific colors helps to promote positive emotions and well-being among patients. The different textile options offer a variety of choices for different design preferences.

Provider Behavioral Nurse Call System by Jeron Electronic Systems Inc.

Jeron Electronic Systems Inc.'s Provider Behavioral Nurse Call System meets security and antiligature requirements for behavioral health care. The line includes flush-mount, heavy-gauge steel dome lights and a full selection of flush-mount patient call stations for rooms and toilet areas. The key-switch entry station allows staff to place calls from within a secured room.The flush-mount lights and patient call stations provide a seamless and integrated look, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the healthcare facility. The key-switch entry station offers convenience and security for staff, allowing them to quickly and easily place calls when needed.

Woven Metal Fabric by GKD-USA

GKD-USA's woven metal fabric is a durable stainless-steel mesh that can be used to safely restrict access or enclose a space. Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, it is engineered to withstand prolonged tension, impact, heavy loads, and all weather conditions. A variety of metal fabric patterns are available for customization.The durability of the stainless-steel mesh makes it a reliable choice for various applications. It can be used to create barriers or enclosures while still allowing for visibility. The customization options allow healthcare facilities to choose the pattern that best suits their needs and aesthetic.

Flo Lounge Collection by Stance Healthcare

Stance Healthcare's roto-molded Flo Lounge Collection features rounded corners to subtly support safety for end-users. Available in two sizes and customizable with or without back pads, it comes in a variety of soothing color options including new Sage Green, Cornflower Blue, and Heather Purple.The rounded corners add a gentle touch to the design while also reducing the risk of accidental injuries. The customizable options allow healthcare facilities to personalize the lounge collection to match their specific decor and patient needs. The soothing color options create a calming atmosphere.

As we approach the end of 2024, it's clear that the federal healthcare administration is on the verge of significant transformation. The Republican party's victories in this month's Federal elections have set the stage for a change in focus and priorities. In the past, we've seen a shift from detailed regulatory processes under the Biden administration to a more deregulatory stance in a potential second Trump administration. This shift is not only expected in general but is also likely to be influenced by recent jurisprudence such as the June 2024 Supreme Court Loper Bright v. Raimondo decision.

Unraveling the Future of Federal Healthcare in 2025

HHS and HIPAA Security Rule Enforcement

During the end of October, a significant event took place. Mr. Oberfield, as a member of the Federal 405(d) task group, attended a two-day Federal conference on healthcare cybersecurity titled "Safeguarding Health Information: Building Assurance through HIPAA Security 2024". The conference materials are available here. Governmental presenters covered a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on the role of the Department of Health and Human Services in regulating healthcare providers' adherence to data safety standards. One of the hot topics was a proposed omnibus regulatory update to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") security standards, along with the October engagement of the Federal Office of Management and Budget in the review process.Other important aspects discussed at the conference included medical device cybersecurity and several presentations from HHS divisions such as its Office for Civil Rights. Just after the conference, in November, OCR announced a number of enforcement actions concerning shortcomings observed in health providers' upstream risk analysis efforts. For example, fines were levied against Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota and Bryan County Ambulance Authority. This clearly shows that the Republican victories could have a significant impact on the rollout of various HHS priorities, including the completion of OMB's review and the enforcement prerogatives of OCR.

Skilled Nursing: An Arena Set for Change

The Security Rule is just one aspect of the federal healthcare portfolio that is likely to see a change come January 20th. In long term care, the outgoing Biden administration has been focusing on facility staffing as a means to ensure patient safety in skilled nursing facilities. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") issued a final rule introducing "minimum staffing standards" to guarantee the "safety and quality" of services provided to residents of long term care facilities certified by Medicare and Medicaid. According to the rule, covered facilities are required to "meet or exceed a minimum of 3.48 hours per resident day for total nurse staffing including but not limited to—(i) A minimum of 0.55 hours per resident day for registered nurses; and (ii) A minimum of 2.45 hours per resident day for nurses' aides."The rule also emphasizes that these facilities must "ensure there are a sufficient number of staff with the appropriate competencies and skills set necessary to assure resident safety and to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental and psychosocial well-being of each resident," which is determined based on facility assessments. However, GOP Attorneys General and various organizations have initiated a judicial action to invalidate this Minimum Staffing Rule under three main theories. They argue that CMS did not have the statutory authority to promulgate the rule, that it contradicts congressional intent, and that it is arbitrary and capricious.Regarding the first cause of action, plaintiffs claim that CMS violated the Administrative Procedures Act by promulgating the rule without Congressional authority. They specifically point to the requirement that long term care facilities have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours per day and the quantitative staff-to-patient ratio. For the second cause of action, plaintiffs assert that the rule rewrites the minimum staffing requirement established by Congress and goes beyond the scope of services performed by registered nurses. They also argue that the quantitative staff-to-patient requirement is unlawful as it contradicts the qualitative statutory requirement.In the third cause of action, plaintiffs contend that by promulgating the rule, CMS deviated from its past practices and ignored the fact that nearly all states had already made subjective determinations on staffing requirements based on their local conditions. They also claim that the rule is impossible for long term care facilities to comply with. Plaintiffs are seeking preliminary injunctive relief to maintain the staffing requirement status quo prior to the promulgation of the rule. Oral argument is scheduled for December 6, 2024. However, the results of this litigation may be overshadowed by the Trump administration's enforcement priorities in 2025, and many in the long term care industry believe that the staffing standards may be downsized during the second term of President Trump.

What's Next

Bond is closely monitoring the dynamics of agency enforcement in the wake of the forthcoming leadership change in Washington, not just in HHS but also in other areas. We will continue to provide updates on these developments to keep you informed.