Joint Commission, ASHE release new hospital compliance resources

Joint Commission adds resources to physical environment portal
The Joint Commission and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering have updated the physical environment portal with two new resources to help facilities stay in compliance with Standard EC.02.05.01, Utility Systems.

One resource addresses hospital leaders and what they can do to make sure air ventilation systems are not putting patients at risk and how to design and install utility systems. It also includes a practical test, guides leaders on necessary steps during a Joint Commission survey and includes an evaluation of compliance.

Another resource addresses the clinical impact of utility systems. The Joint Commission notes that studies have shown a relationship between air changes per hour and infection disease transmission. The resource also provides a standard utility system scoring analysis the Joint Commission uses during surveys.

Also this week:

Board releases next installment of online guide to the ADA and ABA standards
The next installment of the United States Access Board’s online guide to accessibility standards issued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) is now available. This material features a series of technical bulletins covering requirements for accessible routes in Chapter 4 of the ADA and ABA standards, including doors and gates, ramps and curb ramps, and elevators and platform lifts. 

Study looks into link between patient perceptions and fall prevention
A study in the American Journal of Critical Care explored hospitalized adults’ perceptions of falling and how that influenced their behavior. The study’s authors say “Patients’ intentions to engage in behaviors to prevent falls vary with the patients’ fall-related perceptions of confidence, outcomes and fear related to falling.”

FDA alert on Alaris syringe pump by CareFusion Class I Recall
The Food and Drug Administration issued an alert notifying of an error in the Alaris syringe pump Model 8110 that triggers a visual and audible alarm and causes the pump to stop supplying the infusion to the patient.

FDA alert on Alaris Medley large-volume pump frame membrane
The Food and Drug Administration issued an alert stating that Elite Biomedical Solutions discovered that the use of a frame it manufactures and that is used in the Alaris Medley large-volume pump can result in over- or underinfusion of fluids to the patient with the potential to cause patient injury or death. The frame membranes prevent fluids from leaking into internal components. 

Groups propose standard for facility smart grids
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association have proposed Standard 201P, Facility Smart Grid Information Model. The standard would provide a common basis for electrical energy consumers to describe, manage and communicate about electrical energy consumptions and forecasts. The proposed standard is open for public review until Oct. 6.

Joint Commission proposes new goals to prevent CAUTI
The Joint Commission has proposed a new National Patient Safety Goal for nursing care centers on the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). It also has proposed revisions to the National Patient Safety Goal on CAUTI for hospitals and critical access hospitals and is seeking input on the revisions.