New requirements for ASCs on life safety, patient rights effective August

Editor's Note

Starting August 1, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) will need to comply with new and revised requirements for Life Safety Code® and patient rights, a June 26 news update from The Joint Commission reports. These updates align with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions for Coverage.

The changes include revised elements of performance (EPs) to ensure ASCs meet the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Life Safety Code® (NFPA 101-2012) and Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99-2012).

In addition to fire safety updates, there are significant revisions to the Rights and Responsibilities of the Individual Eps, including emphasis on the organization informing the patient of their rights and clarifying  who may exercise the patient’s rights on their behalf when the patient is unable to make decisions.

The Joint Commission has posted the new and revised requirements on its Prepublication Standards page, and they will be included in the summer 2024 interim E-dition® update to the Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Ambulatory Care (CAMAC). These updates will also be available in the hard-copy and PDF versions of CAMAC for customers who purchase these products.