Resources help members stay on top of key issues

ASHE has created a variety of new tools as part of the society’s commitment to developing timely resources for its members. From a new searchable Resource Library to risk assessment tools and downloadable template documents, these new member benefits add value to an ASHE membership. They include:

Resource Library. The new ASHE Resource Library was created so members can easily find the resources they need. It includes advocacy alerts, codes and standards guidance, articles, white papers, monographs, video recordings, checklists, tools and sample policies. You can search the Resource Library using keywords and you can use drop-down menus to filter results. All of the resources listed in this article can be found in the Resource Library at www.ashe.org/resourcelibrary.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) waiver tools. ASHE has compiled a comprehensive list of all the categorical waivers offered by CMS. ASHE members also can access a sample waiver template.

Relocatable power taps (RPTs) tools and guidance. CMS is offering waivers allowing power strip use in patient care areas in certain circumstances. New resources for ASHE members include a comparison of guidance from various organizations on RPTs, a chart explaining the differences between RPTs and special-purpose RPTs, and a sample RPT policy that can be adjusted to fit your facility’s needs. In addition to being in the Resource Library, this information is available at www.ashe.org/rpt.

NFPA 99 risk assessment tool. This tool can help health care facility professionals to comply with the risk-based approach required by the 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s Health Care Facilities Code.

Fire safety evaluation system (FSES) tool. ASHE created this tool for hospitals that want to utilize the FSES using the alternative compliance approach under NFPA 101A.

Hazard vulnerability assessment tools. ASHE published two tools last year to help hospitals assess and weigh potential hazards and their effects.

Conference recordings. ASHE has made past conference recordings from select sessions available online. Members can watch these on-demand presentations to learn about topics including health care design and construction, emergency preparedness, code compliance and management issues.

ASHE is committed to providing its members with the tools they need. If you have an idea for a tool, article or resource that would benefit ASHE members, contact me at dmartin@aha.org.

Deanna Martin is the communications manager for ASHE.

ASHE INSIGHTS

Important monographs available from ASHE

Following are two recently released monographs that can be accessed by ASHE members as free PDFs at www.ashe.org/resources/management_monographs.

• Life Safety Code Comparison. The 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code offers new design and compliance options for health care facilities that didn’t exist in previous editions. It provides an exhaustive list of the changes in the new edition and a detailed comparison with the 2000 and 2009 editions.

• Managing Hospital Emergency Power Systems: Testing, Operation, Maintenance, Vulnerability Mitigation, and Power Failure Planning. Hospitals must take a holistic approach to emergency power (EP) systems, blending utility management with emergency management and infrastructure master planning. This monograph describes a complete EP system management program intended to satisfy these needs.

Design guidelines available to industry through ASHE

The 2014 editions of the Facility Guidelines Institute’s Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities and the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities can be purchased at www.ASHEstore.com.