The Joint Commission released a new Medication Management standard on antimicrobial stewardship for critical access hospitals, hospitals and nursing care centers, which may shed light into the upcoming standard the commission is developing for ASC and office-based settings.
Here are six thoughts on the standard:
1. The standard, MM.09.01.01, is effective starting Jan. 1, 2017.
2. The standard implores leaders to prioritize establishing an antimicrobial stewardship program. Leaders can do this by devising:
• Budget plans
• Accountable documents
• Infection prevention plans
• Performance improvement plans
• Strategic plans
• Using EHRs to collect data
3. Staff should undergo training and education on dispensing, administration and monitoring about antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship practices.
4. Staff members should also educate patients and their caregivers on appropriate use of antimicrobial medications, including antibiotics.
5. When available, an antimicrobial stewardship multidisciplinary team should consist of:
• Infectious disease physician
• Infection preventionist(s)
• Pharmacist(s)
• Practitioner
6. The Joint Commission notes it is currently devising an antimicrobial stewardship standard for both the ambulatory and office-based surgery setting.
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