Question: What’s the most common accreditation mistake you see made in ASCs?
Mark Spina: Most accreditation mistakes that happen in an ASC are physical plant related.
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and Joint Commission rely heavily on the National Fire Protection Code to regulate the physical plant. This means the ASC must keep logs on everything from fire extinguisher inspections to emergency exit sign testing. The key is to keep complete and consistent logs. As one inspector from the American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers told me, if it’s not documented clearly and consistently, it didn’t happen.
Other hot buttons are pressure gradients in “dirty rooms” (negative) and operating rooms (positive), as well as sprinkler systems, [ground fault circuit interrupter] outlets, emergency lighting, elevator inspections, door and door frame inspections, equipment biomedical checks, etc.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.