Q&A: Risk reduction strategies to demonstrate compliance (part I)

Q: What is the basic model for conducting a risk assessment?

A: When conducting a basic risk assessment, there are several elements of focus. These include an assessment of the valuables that need to be preserved or protected, identification of any threats that might be present or possible, identification of any potential areas of vulnerability or loss, and identification of the controls currently in place. The primary goal is to identify the probability of risk.

Let’s examine the components of a potential risk assessment using a blank warmer example outline:

1. Your Issue Statement: In this area, you should summarize what issue you are analyzing. This can include a series of questions or a list of issues that were raised regarding your practice.
2. The Regulatory Analysis: You should include all the known regulations, including federal and state as well as Joint Commission regulations. Note the standard in question so that if an issue is raised, you have already tied the requirement to existing regulations. This will help the focus to remain on the actual content of the regulation.
3. Manufacturers’ Recommendations: Summarize what the manufacturer states about a specific issue. Consider all aspects of the issue. In the case of the blanket warmer, you need to consider the warming cabinet as well as the blanket manufacturer’s guidelines.