News

National council updates active-shooter guide for health care facilities

Also this week: Joint Commission changes survey/review notification process
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The Healthcare & Public Health Sector Coordinating Council has issued an updated guide to help health care facilities plan for and respond to an active shooter. The new edition of Active Shooter Planning and Response gives advice on how to survive a shooting even in a health care setting. It includes updated information on: providing care in areas where a potential threat exists, but is not direct or immediate; law enforcement tactics; unified command; and psychological support.

The guide, which first launched in 2013, was developed with help from industry experts, such as the American Hospital Association, one of the council’s members. The guide walks professionals in health care security and risk management through the four phases of emergency management. It also addresses how to prevent and mitigate an active-shooter situation, as well as preparedness response and recovery.

Joint Commission changes survey/review notification policy

After reviewing feedback from its accredited hospitals, the Joint Commission has made changes to its survey/review notification process to include email notifications. The changes affect the organization’s notification process for its three survey/review activities: announced events, short-notice events and unannounced events. The changes went into effect March 6.

HHS updates food service guidelines for federal hospitals, other facilities

The Department of Health & Human Services and the General Services Administration have updated food service guidelines for federal facilities, including federally owned health care facilities. Updates to the Food Service Guidelines for Federal Facilities primarily include:

  • Alignment of food and nutrition standards with the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 8th edition
  • Alignment with Executive Order 13693 (Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade) on energy efficiency and environmental performance
  • Additions of food safety standards aligned with the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code to ensure protection against foodborne illnesses
  • Behavioral design strategies to encourage selection of healthier foods and beverages

Physio-Control recalls LIFEPAK 1000 defibrillator due to electrical issue

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a Class I recall for Physio-Control’s LIFEPAK 1000 defibrillator due to an electrical issue that may cause the device to shut down unexpectedly during patient treatment. Physio-Control is recalling the device because it has determined that wear and oxidation formation between the battery and device electrical contacts may cause power interruptions. This may prevent the device from delivering the electrical shock needed to revive a patient in cardiac arrest, which could result in serious patient injury such as permanent organ damage, brain injury or death.