Tag: Standards

New cross-specialty ACS Quality Verification Program

Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) on July 12 announced their new cross-specialty ACS Quality Verification Program (ACS QVP) at the 2021 ACS Quality and Safety Conference. The program provides the tools for hospitals to have a standardized approach to surgical care for all surgical patients. It is…

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By: Judy Mathias
July 14, 2021
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The Joint Commission to implement new, revised Performance Improvement, Leadership accreditation standards

Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced on June 23 that it will implement new and revised Performance Improvement and Leadership accreditation standards for all of its accreditation programs, beginning January 1, 2022. The revisions factor in two common themes found in organizations with successful improvement programs: adoption of established improvement…

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By: Judy Mathias
June 24, 2021
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Researchers raise the alarm on splashing during reprocessing--Part 1

Does it really matter if surgical instruments are submerged in cleaning solution when technologists or nurses scrub them after a case? Is there a reason for the 3-foot separation between dirty and clean areas? Do germs stop at the red line? During the COVID-19 pandemic, much attention has been focused…

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By: Judith M. Mathias, MA, RN
June 22, 2021
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New and revised sprinkler head requirements from The Joint Commission

Editor's Note The Joint Commission on June 21 announced new and revised sprinkler head requirements, effective immediately, for critical access hospitals, hospitals, and behavioral healthcare and human services organizations (LS.02.01.35, EP7). The sprinkler head requirement also have been added for ambulatory healthcare occupancies (LS.03.01.35, EP 7) and inpatient hospice facilities…

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By: Judy Mathias
June 21, 2021
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Joint Commission Resources launches Digital Learning Center

Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced June 2 that Joint Commission Resources, Inc, (JCR) has launched a new subscription-based Digital Learning Center (DLC) to provide on-demand accreditation and compliance courses and content. In addition to JCR’s digital content, which includes webinars, videos, PolicySource, and digital newsletters and e-books, the DLC…

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By: Judy Mathias
June 8, 2021
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ANSI/AAMI ST79 amendments refine sterilization practices

Amendments have been added to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standard ANSI/AAMI ST79, Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance in Health Care Facilities. The standard, which is used in healthcare facilities to guide their sterilization processes, is considered a useful resource to promote best…

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By: Susan Klacik, BS, CRCST, ACE, CIS, FCS
May 19, 2021
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The Joint Commission announces top 5 most challenging requirements for 2020

Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on May 12, listed the top 5 standards most frequently identified as “not compliant” during surveys and reviews from January 1 to December 31, 2020. The top five for accredited hospitals are: NPSG.15.01.01: Reduce the risk for suicide. EP1. IC.02.02.01: The hospital reduces the risk…

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By: Judy Mathias
May 13, 2021
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Performance of disposable vs reusable cover gowns

Editor's Note In this study, led by researchers at Florida State University, Tallahassee, reusable cover gowns were found to provide increased protection, compared to disposable cover gowns. During personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that washable cloth…

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By: Judy Mathias
May 6, 2021
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The Joint Commission: Aisle widths must have at least 36 inches of clearance

Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced April 21 that, effectively immediately, Life Safety Code surveyors will cite noncompliance in suites with aisles that have less than 36 inches of clearance from side to side to facilitate egress in hospitals and critical access hospitals. The finding will be scored at Life…

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By: Judy Mathias
April 22, 2021
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Effect of indoor air changes on COVID-19 transmission

Editor's Note In this JAMA Insights article, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, conclude that increasing air changes per hour and air filtration are simple concepts that could be used to help reduce within-room, far-field (ie, within-room but beyond 6 feet)…

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By: Judy Mathias
April 20, 2021
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