SDS Accreditation Update
Joint Commission: Steps to prepare for swine flu
The Joint Commission has issued a reminder to providers that many accreditation standards can help reduce the risk of transmission of H1N1 (swine) flu.
The Joint Commission expects accredited facilities to review their emergency management plans, particularly those related to preparing for an influx of potentially infectious patients.
The Joint Commission also "strongly encourages" health care managers to:
- assess current levels of supplies of equipment and medications that might be needed to treat an influx of patients;
- check the web site for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu) daily for the latest information;
- work closely with the local health department;
- see The Joint Commission's infection control standards to prevent the possible spread of the H1N1 virus. These standards address topics such as the use of personal protective equipment; hand hygiene; and proper cleaning of medical equipment, devices, and supplies.
Preparation is a key concern to addressing infectious diseases such as the viruses such as the H1N1, says Marsha Wallander, RN, assistant director of Accreditation Services for the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. "Using infection control methodology, it doesn't make any difference what type of virus of bacteria or illness you have, you need good hand washing, good techniques, good isolation procedures in place, so if you have a known infection or reportable illness, you can address that," she says.
The Joint Commission has issued a reminder to providers that many accreditation standards can help reduce the risk of transmission of H1N1 (swine) flu.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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