The Joint Commission issues new Quick Safety on managing packaged sterile supplies, devices

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission, on June 28, announced a new Quick Safety advisory on “Managing packaged sterile supplies and devices.” The advisory provides guidance to keep patients safe from infection and harm from expired or compromised supplies and devices and urges healthcare workers (HCWs) to pay close attention to device labels.

The advisory also encourages HCWs to follow a hierarchical approach to infection prevention, which includes following rules and regulations first, followed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements, manufacturer’s instructions for use, and evidence based guidelines and national standards.