A pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus was predictable. Yet the experience itself was—and still is for many—unanticipated, says Deanna Scatena, BSN, RN, CCRN,...
With the goal of eliminating preventable medical harm, a new National Action Plan was released in mid-September by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) National Steering Committee for Patient Safety (NSC).
Review the latest patient safety road map with your accreditation managers, C-suite, and governing board because they may be asked about it during your next accreditation survey.
Then use the self-assessment to get a boots-on-the-ground look at how you’re really doing on preventing...
CMS has signaled that accrediting organizations (AO) like HFAP can resume even more surveys in areas where the COVID-19 patient surge is slowing. But what will HFAP surveyors be looking for?
In late August, the oldest of the accrediting organizations released its ...
Get a firm handle on your COVID-19 case data now that a new interim final rule requires the information to be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Medicare Condition of Participation (CoP).
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. These are just some of the best practices and recommendations...
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.
In the September issue, we told you about a hospital that responded quickly to threats posed after the nation learned of the 2019 novel coronavirus, but still faced a finding of immediate jeopardy (IJ) to patients and staff from CMS officials.
Keep assessing how you triage your COVID-19 and influenza patients as the flu season escalates, and include facilities management as well as clinicians and other staff in the continuing discussion. Managing both kinds of highly contagious respiratory infections will pose unique challenges,...