Joint Commission Revises Scoring for IC Standard

The Joint Commission (TJC) this week announced scoring changes for its IC.02.02.01 standard, which requires facilities to reduce infection risk associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies. The standard was included on TJC’s list of most-cited standards.

In the latest post in its 4-1-1 on Survey Enhancements series, TJC focused on high-level disinfection and sterilization. Effective as of September 1, the revisions are meant to hone in on the process steps that pose the highest risk to patients. TJC plans to monitor the revisions over the next several months to ensure scoring is consistent.

For example, IC.02.02.01 was previously scored on the finding of visible bioburden and dried blood of instruments. Now surveyors will cite hospitals if the wiping or flushing of soiled instruments isn’t observed during a case in the operating or procedure room and it’s clinically appropriate, or if an item that’s ready to be used on a patient is visibly soiled.

Standard findings recorded before September 1 will not be removed. Hospitals that are in the clarification window or preparing an Evidence of Standards Compliance report should document their compliance with the revised scoring guidelines.