Here are four clarifications on The Joint Commission's standard for clinical sinks in outpatient settings.
1. The Joint Commission uses the Facility Guidelines Institute's Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities from 2014.
2. Hand-washing sinks are required within examination and treatment rooms for outpatient surgical facilities.
3. These requirements apply for new facilities and renovations to existing facilities.
4. Sink requirements for existing exam rooms depend on requirements by the FGI or the organization's licensing authority at the time of construction.