The Joint Commission issued its 2017 Top Non-compliant Ambulatory Care Standards for Health Centers report, outlining the most difficult standards for healthcare providers.
Here are the most challenging standards for environment of care:
1. Minimizing risks associated with selecting, handling, storing, transporting, using and disposing of hazardous chemicals.
2. Having the permits, licenses, manifests, and safety data sheets required by law and regulation for managing hazardous materials and waste.
3. Inspecting portable fire extinguishers at least monthly and documenting the completion dates of the inspections.
4. Conducting performance testing of and maintaining all sterilizers and documenting these activities.
5. Performing a functional test of battery-powered lights on the inventory required for egress for at least 30 seconds and a visual inspection of EXIT signs at least monthly; documenting these test results and completion dates.
6. Implementing a policy on all cylinders within the organization that includes:
- Proper handling and transporting (in carts, attached to equipment, on racks, etc.) to ensure safety
- Physically separating full and empty cylinders from each other to assist staff in selecting the proper cylinder
- Labeling empty cylinders and prohibiting transfilling in any compartment with patient care rooms
7. Having interior spaces that meet patient population needs and are suitable for treatments provided.
8. Evaluating each environment of care management plan, including a review of the plan's objectives, scope, performance and effectiveness every 12 months.
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