About The Commission
Integrity, excellence, and reliability are three qualities The Commission supports in Christian Science nursing facilities, training programs, and visiting Christian Science nursing services. Our aim is to enable the demonstration of these qualities in all policies, practices, and procedures by developing, promoting, and maintaining standards for these organizations.
High standards support the aim of The Commission: to ensure that all who seek to rely solely on God for healing receive the finest practical, non-medical care. The standards we publish and uphold support the facilities and the important work of the Christian Science nurse, as outlined by Mary Baker Eddy in the Church Manual By-law, Art. VIII; Sect. 31.
On-site visits to the facilities, including careful inspection of each area, enable the inspectors to have a thorough overview of the physical structure of an organization—and to see the tangible expression of beauty, dignity, practicality, and grace, and furnishings and decor that provide a safe, comfortable, homelike, environment for patients and visitors.
Reviewing documents, policies, and procedures, and interviewing staff and patients, assist the inspectors to conduct a careful examination of the inner workings of the organization. Inspectors are able to gain an overview of the standards the facility has in place and whether regular practices are meeting goals and expectations in three areas: leadership, management, and patient care.
Supporting compliance with laws and regulations is a major part of the inspection. Some facilities work under several sets of regulations, including licensing in cities, states or provinces, and a country’s government regulations, (i.e., in the U.S. for Medicare, Medicaid, nursing homes, etc.; in the U.K. regulations set forth in the Care Standards Act).
Encouraging “best practices” is a goal of The Commission, and during our visit we look for and share current, effective approaches regarding policies and specific procedures.
A regular newsletter provides support to the accredited facilities containing commentary, information about current issues, and new or changed regulations that may have an impact on policies and procedures.
Individual consultation and education is provided through on-site visits and workshops. On-going, focused support is available to governing boards and staff of Christian Science nursing organizations.
A list of accredited facilities can be found on this website. Individuals wanting to find out about Christian Science nursing organizations in their area may contact us by email or phone or download the list on the “Accredited Facilities” page.
Meet the Commission
The Board of Directors provides oversight of the policies and procedures of The Commission, and is comprised of professionals with seasoned experience in management roles in Christian Science nursing organizations, and a comprehensive understanding of the activities of these organizations. The board is comprised of up to seven directors that are elected or appointed to the board. The usual make up of the board includes: one Administrator/Executive Director of a Christian Science nursing facility; one Christian Science practitioner; three Directors of Christian Science nursing; two members-at large (usually a Christian Science nurse with extensive management experience, or a professional with an area of expertise or knowledge beneficial to this work). The board hires an Executive Director to conduct the programs and business of The Commission.
2011 Board of Directors:
- Alison Alioto, Director of the Visiting Christian Science Nursing Service, Chestnut Hill Benevolent Assoc., Chestnut Hill, MA
- Betteanne Adams, CS, Christian Science Practitioner, Cypress, Texas
- Julie Brearley, Manager of Christian Science Nursing Services, Lime Tree House, Sale, Cheshire, UK
- Debora K. Henderson, CPA, Port Charlotte, Florida
- Kevin Massey, Executive Director, High Ridge House, Inc., Riverdale, NY
- Elizabeth Harned, Director of Christian Science Nursing Services, Beacon Haven, New Brighton, MN
Meet The Commission’s Executive Director:
- Bonnie A. Castroman is a Christian Science Nurse, living in Elsah, Illinois. She has advertised in The Christian Science Journal for over 25 years, and has devoted her life to a career within this field. Bonnie has been a visiting Christian Science nurse, worked on staff in several facilities and at Principia College, and for 14 years served as an instructor and Director of the Christian Science Nurse’s Training Resource Center at Arden Wood, a Christian Science nursing facility in San Francisco, California. Her work has also included serving as a Visiting Christian Science nurse, and on a board of a Visiting Christian Science nursing service, as well as being an Administrator of a facility, a Director of Christian Science nursing, and an independent consultant. Bonnie served several terms on the board of The Commission, was an inspector, and was hired as the Executive Director in January, 2008.
Address:
The Commission for Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations/Facilities, Inc.
P.O. Box 231, Elsah, Illinois 62028 USA
Telephone:
618-374-9920
Email:
commissioncsn@aol.com
