During a crisis, many people placed in leadership positions often resort to an authoritative management approach because of the sudden and often unexpected manner in which the crisis evolves. They are taken by surprise. They believe that decisions need to be made rapidly and they feel that only...
Check whether smoke detectors are at least 36 inches from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) vents to ensure they detect smoke right away.
As hospitals continue to tackle the challenges of keeping staff and patients safe, some facilities are considering bolstering their security with K-9 forces. In response, the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) recently approved guidelines for “Canine (K-9)...
In an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting regulatory landscapes, healthcare facilities face the dual challenge of ensuring patient safety and meeting stringent compliance standards. Organizations continue to grapple with integrating smart technologies for life safety, developing...
Facilities might start seeing more CMS surveys soon as the agency lowers the initial level of certification for its own Life Safety Code® (LSC) surveyor candidates.
Extreme winter forecasts can be met with fear or confidence. Being prepared for extreme cold along with snow and ice is a major concern for the safety of both patients and staff. Worried about the cost? Tell your leadership being prepared may pay for itself in the long run.
Best estimates from The Joint Commission (TJC) suggest that 90-100 surgical fires occur annually in the United States, creating safety hazards for patients, surgical teams, and the operating room (OR) environment. TJC recently issued Sentinel Event Alert #68, “Updated surgical fire prevention...
The whole purpose of the building tour is to determine if your facility is in compliance with the Life Safety Code® (LSC). The surveyor will most likely start at the top of your building inspecting mechanical rooms and the roof.
Safety problems identified within the physical environment account for 60%–70% of deficiencies scored by The Joint Commission (TJC) during surveys, according to TJC statistics. However, in the first six months of this year, almost 90% of those Environment of Care (EC) and Life Safety (LS)...
If you’ve asked for a time-limited waiver to address a Life Safety Code (LSC) deficiency, be aware that CMS is unlikely to approve extensions, warned Herman McKenzie, MBA, CHS, director of The Joint Commission (TJC) Standards Interpretation Group’s Physical...
