The Joint Commission revised several of its emergency management standards to better reflect changes CMS made to its Emergency Management Final Rule.
Here's what you should know:
1. The new Joint Commission regulations were developed to enhance ASC emergency response efforts. The regulations hold healthcare organizations to a higher standard for communication and coordination.
2. Primarily, ASCs should care for their own patients, while offering other healthcare organizations support.
3. CMS's final rule requires ASCs to develop and implement:
- An emergency plan
- A communication plan
- Regular emergency training
4. The Joint Commission is implementing new elements of performance for ASCs beginning Nov. 15. The new elements require that an emergency management plan:
- Be reviewed annually
- Address collaboration efforts with varying organizations
- Establish continuity of operations with a focus on several elements
For more on the standards, click here.