CMS is gearing up to resume surveys, starting with closing out cases suspended by the March declaration of a national public health emergency (PHE) because of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic. A nine-page Quality & Safety Oversight (QSO) ...
Improving patient safety has always been a priority for hospitals and health systems, but COVID-19, and the possibility of a second surge in a few weeks or months, is bringing new urgency to these efforts. All hospitals must quickly assess their current safety-related processes, identify...
N95 respirator masks as many as 11 years past their expiration date and used N95 respirator masks treated with ethylene oxide or vaporized hydrogen peroxide maintain their filtration efficiency, ...
The recent moratorium on elective surgeries due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been brutal on hospitals, providers, and provider organizations—especially since those surgeries are often the bread and butter of provider revenue.
According to the Medical Group Management Association, ...
In 2018, the most recent year of final fatality data, the third leading cause of death was preventable deaths from drug overdoses, motor vehicle crashes, and falls. The number of deaths from COVID-19 this year already has surpassed the number of preventable deaths in calendar year 2018.
The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) is asking for public comment through September on the 2022 update to the FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction, which “provide minimum standards for design and construction of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential health, care, and support...
The number of sentinel events reviewed by The Joint Commission (TJC) in the first half of this pandemic-dominated year are well under the pace for last year. But that’s probably not unexpected given the lockdown of the nation’s hospitals as they focused on preparing for the 2019 coronavirus...
Even during “normal times,” summer activities expose Americans to a long list of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Few, if any, are prevented by face masks, hand-washing, and social distancing. Inevitably, camping, hiking, and even barbecues expose us to mosquitoes and ticks.
When trying to procure necessary supplies during a disaster or emergency, be aware of potential fraud, document all your contracting activities, and ensure staff are trained and up-to-date on your facility’s contracting policies.
As the COVID-19 surge continues through its second wave and collides with influenza season as well as hurricanes, wildfires, or whatever natural disasters the year still has in store, supply experts have a big request: Only order what your facility needs.
