New Jersey leads the way

A relatively brief offering for this week, but (as is usually the case with mini postings) there is some homework. When I find a source of information that is nothing short of eloquent and illuminating, I believe in sending you all to that source, and Matt Feije and the good folks at HC Info are the real deal. To frame the conversation, the state of New Jersey is in the process of implementing one of the (if not the) most comprehensive regulatory requirements relative to the management of water as a function of waterborne illnesses. Certainly, the folks in healthcare are already managing these risks, but I suspect that this will bring about fundamental changes in the entire water management continuum from public water utility concerns through the management of water by a greater number of building managers/owners. It would have been nice if the legislation had included provisions for managing the risks associated with non-centralized potable water heating systems (the link below will clarify those concerns/considerations). I guess the other challenge will be the monitoring of compliance; I suppose there could be a central depository where one might submit one’s water management plan, but holding folks in the mix accountable for effective monitoring will surely be a slow implementation (you can lead a horse to a mandate, but…)

At any rate, I would encourage you to take a few moments and check out what’s happening in New Jersey—it might not be too long before it comes to your town too.

About the Author: Steve MacArthur is a safety consultant with The Chartis Group. He brings more than 30 years of healthcare management and consulting experience to his work with hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory care facilities across the country. He is the author of HCPro's Hospital Safety Director's Handbook and is an advisory board member for Accreditation and Quality Compliance Center. Contact Steve at stevemacsafetyspace@gmail.com.