Use the July 11 CMS memo reminding hospitals of their obligations under the federal EMTALA law as a good opportunity to review policies and to educate doctors, nurses, and other personnel on requirements for caring for emergent patients who are pregnant or experiencing pregnancy loss.
CMS issued several Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSO) memos in late May and early June, including two updating COVID-19 survey requirements and another updating the State Operations Manual Appendix L.
Standardize how your hospital manages its medical supplies to ensure that they are safely stored, updated, and available when needed. Also be sure to approve policies, procedures, plans, and related documents as required—even amid a long-term emergency.
Review your hospital’s practices for storing sterile devices and supplies now that three of the four hospital accrediting organizations (AO) have recently cited concerns about improper storage.
