CMS issues training on emergency preparedness rule enforcement

CMS issues training on emergency preparedness rule enforcement

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released an online training course for state survey agencies that will evaluate compliance with new emergency-preparedness requirements for hospitals and other providers beginning Nov. 15. The course also is available to providers to give consistent guidance on the survey process.

A final rule issued last September requires health care facilities to conduct risk assessments using an all-hazards approach; develop emergency-preparedness plans, policies and procedures, including distinct communications plans; and establish training and testing programs. Hospitals, critical access hospitals and long-term care facilities also must have emergency and standby power systems that reflect their emergency plans.

Company recalls intra-aortic balloon pumps due to false alarm triggers

Datascope Corp./MAQUET is recalling its CS100i, CS100 and CS300 intra-aortic balloon pumps manufactured between July 1, 2003 and June 16, 2017, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The recall is due to false blood-detection alarm and ingress of fluid into the intra-aortic balloon pump.

The cardiac-assist devices are used to assist patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgery, and to treat patients with acute coronary syndrome or complications from heart failure. Device failure may result in immediate and serious adverse health consequences, including death.

FGI changes read-only access policy for viewing Guidelines

The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) has switched read-only access of its Guidelines documents to a new platform, and also has changed its policy regarding read-only viewings.

FGI has limited user access to two times per month, allowing 20 page views each time. The organization notes that read-only versions are not intended to be a reference document for daily or weekly use. Copies of the Guidelines are available in print or digital format.

Health care engineering regulatory expert George Mills transitions from Joint Commission to JLL

This week, George Mills announced that he will transition from his current role as director of the department of engineering at the Joint Commission to a new position as director of health care technical operations at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

Mills will join JLL in October to lead the health care technical operations platform and will oversee teams focused on quality and compliance, plant operations and facility management, safety, supply chain management, health care project and development services, energy and sustainability.

Mills is considered one of the foremost experts in the field of hospital operations, including: knowledge of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Joint Commission regulations; technical competence in electronic health care systems and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering, a Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, a Certified Energy Manager and a Certified Healthcare Safety Professional.