Joint Commission refines scoring on HLD, sterilization

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission on September 5 announced it has refined its scoring for high-level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization to focus on process steps that post the highest risk to patients if they fail.

The new scoring revisions apply to:

• soiled instruments
• enzymatic solution
• transportation of instruments
• instruments in closed position
• release of instruments before biologic indicator read
• storage of HLD items in drawers
• stored endoscopes.

These revisions, which went into effect September 1, are the focus of the Joint Commission’s latest 4-1-1 Survey Enhancements, a series that takes a deep look at four high-risk areas evaluated by surveyors.