The Sentinel Event Protocol and Sentinel Event Reporting Form were implemented in January 2006 to identify a new system for community providers to report sentinel events, as defined and described in the protocol, to the most appropriate bureau within the Division of Community Based Care Services (DCBCS).  DCBCS includes the Bureaus of Behavioral Health, Developmental Services, Drug and Alcohol Services, Elderly and Adult Services and Homeless and Housing Services.   DCBCS has adopted the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' 2005 definition of a Sentinel Event which is an unexpected occurrence involving the death or serious physical or psychological injury, or risk thereof, signaling the need for immediate investigation and response

Sentinel Event Reporting Forms are to be completed when a sentinel event occurs involving a person or persons who:

• are receiving Department of Health and Human Services funded services;
• have received Department funded services within the preceding 30 days;
• have been evaluated by a service provider within the preceding 30 days;
• are employed in a Bureau funded program; or,
• are visiting a Bureau funded program when an event occurs.