On June 25, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Hazard Agency published its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) with an expected compliance date of no later than July 21, 2021.
Understanding OSHA COVID 19 Emergency Temporary Standard Read More »
The Joint Commission has shared that proposed Resuscitation Standards will be finalized in July 2021 with an effective date of January 1, 2022. Stay Tuned for more information from C&A in July on the new expectations set by these standards.
The Joint Commission Resuscitation Requirements For Healthcare Read More »
On June 21, 2021, CMS issued QSO 20-41 outlining and clarifying the Emergency Operations Plan Exercise Requirements in light of the ongoing Public Health Emergency. To learn more about the testing requirements and exemptions that are in place, go to QSO-20-41-All-CMS-Exercise-Exemption-Emergency-Operations-Plan. Need help interpreting this for your organization? Contact us at info@courtemanche-assocs.com.
Exercise Exemption/Emergency Operations Plan Read More »
On June 10, 2021, OSHA released their newest Covid-19 safety rules for healthcare workers. To learn more click here. For assistance in interpreting or designing processes that will comply, contact C&A
OSHA Releases New Safety Rule Read More »
The Joint Commission has revised their Medical History and Physical requirements for Office-Based Surgery and Ambulatory Health Care Accredited Organizations effective July 1, 2021. The new standards now indicate a Medical History and Physical Exam is performed as needed. The organization develops written policy on the criteria for which patients a medical H&P must be
Medical History & Physical Requirements for Ambulatory Healthcare Read More »
The definition of competent is having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. Being competent on paper and being able to perform a necessary skill or job responsibility are two different things. Before you can be competent you must be educated, trained and a competency assessment performed. You need to have the
Is Your Staff Competent and Can You Prove It? Read More »
In their May 2021 Newsletter, The Joint Commission relayed increasing concerns regarding observations of staff not following proper infection control practices with both the use of glucometers and during insulin administration. These observations have been to such a degree of concern for infection risk that organizations have received Immediate Threat citations. Staff are not following
Glucometer Infection Control Practices Read More »
You have finished the procedure, now what’s next? Prior to sending instruments to Sterile Processing, it is important to remember to remove as much blood and bioburden from the instruments and keep them moist during transport. With Personal Protective Equipment on, rinse or wipe the instruments with water. Never use saline as it will damage
Enzymatic Spraying of Instruments at Point of Use Read More »
On May 7th, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) released their Interpretive Guidelines for the Interoperability and Patient Access Rule. This rule is designed to provide easier access and establish clearer expectations on the sharing of health information to ensure quality and safe transitions in care. These guidelines were issued and implemented on
Newest Guidance from CMS Read More »
In September of 2019, CMS issued the Burden Reduction Final Rule that reset some of the requirements and expectations related to Performance Improvement within Critical Access Hospitals. Several of the required changes have taken effect within The Joint Commission Critical Access Hospital Accreditation Program but several additional changes that reside within the Leadership Chapter took
New Performance Improvement Requirements for Critical Access Hospitals Read More »
In 2008, The Joint Commission (TJC) implemented a new standard, MS.08.01.03, requiring detailed evaluation of practitioners’ professional performance as part of the process of granting and maintaining practice privileges in a healthcare organization. Although the standard took effect in 2008, many organizations continue to struggle to establish meaningful indicators and ensure these processes are
Managing Your Medical Staff’s OPPE and FPPE Read More »
The Joint Commission published in their April issue of EC News; a short article of significance that may go unnoticed. The article announces that effective immediately, their EC-LS surveyors will be surveying the aisle widths within your suites that exist within your health care occupancy spaces. The minimum width for these aisles is 36 inches
AISLE WIDTH – Use your Tape Measure Read More »
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