During the early days of the pandemic, finding a source of hand sanitizer was a challenge, particularly for the community. Many new products came onto the market as a result of the increased demand. Earlier this year, the independent lab, Valisure, took on the work of determining if these hand sanitizers were safe. Of the […]
Is your Hand Sanitizer Safe? Read More »
On December 21, 2020, The Joint Commission published a new, updated version of their proposed Resuscitation Standards. Redesign of these standards began in early 2020 with the first opportunity to submit comments being concluded mid-year. While some of the revisions appear to be simple word-smithing opportunities, there are several changes, if adopted as written, that
New Requirements on the Horizon: Resuscitative Services Read More »
The Joint Commission has proposed changes to the Resuscitation Standards for Hospital and Critical Access Hospitals. These changes were most recently released December 21, 2020. Since then TJC has opened the opportunity to provide feedback on these proposed standard changes. The window to submit your feedback will close on February 22, 2021. To provide feedback,
PROPOSED REVISIONS FOR RESUSCITATION STANDARDS Read More »
On January 20, 2021 CMS issued QSO 20-13 announcing new limitations to the conduct of allegation, accreditation and certification surveys. Accrediting Organizations are being advised to suspend their accreditation certification activities for the next 30 days at which point CMS will reevaluate and could extend the suspension for an additional 30-day period. Click here to
Time Sensitive New Survey Guidance from CMS- Survey Suspensions Read More »
While we have been dealing with Covid for the majority of 2020, some important information about CMS’s expectations of Accreditation Organizations (AOs) with Deeming Authority has come to light and while Covid remains a significant health risk, there are other patient safety focused standards that were slated for implementation in 2020 that were delayed to
The TJC and CMS Update 2020 Read More »
On September 25, 2020, the following information was released by The Joint Commission (TJC). TJC has worked closely with certification providers and CMS. Certification providers have stated they do not intend to provide any further extensions on certification card expiration dates. CMS has confirmed there are no waivers for these certifications except for ESRD organizations.
Are additional waivers available for ACLS, BLS and CPR certifications? Read More »
We have always known that having competent staff was and remains the backbone to who we are as an organization, and as a provider of care, treatment, and services. Lives depend on competence, not only the lives of our patients, but the lives and livelihoods of those who work with us. Let’s pause for a
Competence and Competency Assessment Read More »
While Covid-19 still dominates our minds and our work, TJC recently shared that their review process for continuing their deemed status authority with CMS continues. As a result of this review, CMS will be requiring The Joint Commission to conduct an Environment of Care/ Life Safety Review at each ambulatory care location that is a
EXPANSION OF SURVEY- HOSPITAL OWNED AMBULATORY CARE LOCATIONS Read More »
Timely and comprehensive discharge planning helps with patient and/or family satisfaction and can assist with minimizing the number of re-admissions if the plan is the most appropriate for the patient, and includes detailed education & discharge instructions along with crucial information is shared with the next caregiver. Key requirements supported by both The Joint Commission
Why Discharge Planning Is Crucial for Patient Recovery Read More »
On March 12, the United States Pharmacopeia announced the results of the last minute appeal that was filed earlier this year- just before the anticipated implementation deadline for the updated USP Chapter 795, USP Chapter 797 and brand new USP Chapter 825. To summarize the actions taken, the USP has accepted the appeal for USP
UPDATE: USP 795, 797 and 825 Read More »
In November 2019, CMS announced its plan to reorganize its infrastructure. These changes and the rationale for the changes were published in the November 25, 2019 Federal Register. The operational changes are significant and expansive, our focus for this article will be a summary of the overarching changes and the duties of the newly announced
The 2020 Reorganization of CMS Read More »
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