James Schmidt

About James Schmidt

Results-driven healthcare compliance executive with over 15 years of leadership across behavioral health, outpatient, residential, and school-based healthcare. I specialize in Joint Commission (BHC and general standards) readiness, policy governance, incident management, and risk mitigation. Building enterprise-wide compliance infrastructures that not only meet regulatory demands but strengthen patient safety, operational integrity, and cultural accountability. I’ve led internal audits, policy development, survey preparation, and executive reporting across multi-site organizations. Known for bridging strategy with compliance, Thrive in collaborative environments where I can embed compliance directly into clinical and operational workflows. Key areas of expertise: • Joint Commission & CMS Readiness • Policy Governance & Risk Assessment • Incident Reporting & Investigations • Survey Planning & Corrective Action Leadership • Multi-Site Compliance & Board Reporting Let’s connect if you’re passionate about improving compliance culture, behavioral health operations, or accreditation excellence.

Experience

1. Director of Compliance and Accreditation

   Canopy Children's Solutions

   May 2024 — Present · Jackson, MS, US

   Oversee systemwide compliance and accreditation functions for a Joint Commission–accredited behavioral health organization serving children and adolescents across Mississippi. Lead regulatory readiness, policy oversight, and organizational integrity across outpatient, residential, school-based, and community-based programs. • Manage all aspects of Joint Commission Behavioral Health accreditation, including continuous readiness activities, standards interpretation, mock surveys, and corrective action plans • Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, HIPAA, and TJC standards • Conduct audits and compliance reviews focused on documentation, safety, patient rights, and environment of care • Provide strategic guidance and training to leadership and staff on compliance issues, risk mitigation, and accreditation requirements • Monitor incident reporting trends and support investigation processes to drive system-level improvements • Collaborate with operational leaders to ensure quality, ethical care delivery and a culture of accountability across all service lines • Report regularly to executive leadership on compliance status, survey readiness, and organizational performance related to regulatory standards

Education

• University of Maryland

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Social Sciences

• University of Memphis

  Master of Business Administration, Health/Health Care Administration/Management

• University of Oklahoma

  Master of Arts - MA, Counseling Psychology

• Saybrook University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Psychology

Skills

• Government
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Powerpoint
• Leadership Development
• Curriculum Design
• Social Services
• Instructional Design
• Peer Support
• Non-Profit Volunteering
• Military
• Military Families
• Community Outreach
• Staff Development