In the past few months, the Joint Commission has implemented a new process for accreditation surveys and changed the wording and interpretation of some standards, particularly infection control. At the 2018 OR Manager Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in September, John R. Rosing, MHA, FACHE, executive vice president and principal of…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced October 10 that accredited, deemed-status ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) will no longer be required to collect data on medical necessity and appropriateness of procedures (PI.01.01.01, EP 21), effective July 1, 2019. The Joint Commission developed the performance improvement (PI) standard to align with the…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on September 26 announced a collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) that will incorporate AAOS’ clinical expertise into development of  standards and performance measurement requirements for the Joint Commission's Total Hip and Knee Replacement (THKR) Certification. The Joint Commission and AAOS will…

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Editor' Note The Joint Commission in partnership with the American Heart Association recently approved a new certification program that will provide an independent evaluation of an organization's eligibility to qualify as a comprehensive cardiac center. After reviewing program requirements, the Joint Commission identified the following areas for revision: Collaborative model…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on September 19 released the “Top 5” requirements identified most frequently as “not compliant” during accreditation surveys and reviews in the first half of 2018. The Top 5 most challenging for Hospital Accreditation are: LS.02.01.35 The hospital provides and maintains systems for extinguishing fires (88%).…

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We asked some top ambulatory surgery center (ASC) leaders, including members of OR Manager’s Editorial Advisory Board, to identify the top challenges ASC leaders are facing. Here are their responses. We believe you will see some of your own challenges reflected in their comments.   Mary Stewart, MSN, BSN, RN…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on August 29 announced that it has concluded its efforts to streamline and consolidate its elements of performance (EPs) for its accreditation programs as part of its EP Review Project. The Equipment Management chapter of the Home Care Accreditation program and the Leadership chapter for…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced on August 15 that additional changes will be made to elements of performance (EPs) in the Nursing and Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services chapters of the accreditation manuals for critical access hospitals and deemed-status hospital programs, effective January 1, 2019. The Centers for…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on July 18 announced that it will implement several standards changes for fluoroscopy services in ambulatory care organizations, critical access hospitals, hospitals, and office-based surgery practices, effective January 1, 2019. The revisions clarify expectations and address areas of risk with imaging, and they include a…

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Editor's Note ECRI Institute announced July 17 that it will continue providing services of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ’s) National Guideline Clearinghouse (NCG), which was shut down because of lack of funding. The federal government has relied on ECRI Institute to maintain the NCG since its inception…

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