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In defending itself against a critical article in the Chicago Tribune, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations issued a statement that includes the following points.
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With a keen awareness of the increasing pressure for improved patient safety, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is radically revamping its oversight of hospitals.
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The nations health care facilities continue to make the landmark transition to needle safety devices as mandated by the federal Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act signed into law two years ago. Tips and insights into overcoming obstacles in this difficult process recently were offered by two experts on the issue at a special audio conference sponsored by Thomson American Health Consultants, publishers of Hospital Infection Control.
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Though there is now an overriding federal law requiring needle safety devices, infection control professionals should check with their state officials to ensure compliance with local requirements. For example, many states have state plans approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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The following provisions are some of the key instructions to Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors enforcing requirements for needle safety devices.
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Between 40% and 60% of surgical-site infections can be prevented with the use of prophylactic antibiotics, but overuse, underuse, improper timing, and misuse of antibiotics occur in 25% to 50% of all operations, according to CMRI, a San Francisco-based quality improvement organization working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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Thorough screening of workers key to reducing risks of smallpox vaccine; CDC lists contraindications for smallpox vaccination; Hospitals given leeway in forming smallpox teams; High stakes, fast track: Bio R&D at a full gallop; Nature: The mother of all bioterrorism
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Beginning early this year, infection control professionals will be offered smallpox vaccine along with about 500,000 other hospital workers who volunteer for smallpox care teams in the nations hospitals.
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Last month, more than 200 health care facilities tuned in for the live audio conference Imminent Smallpox Vaccinations in Hospitals: Consequences for You and Your Facility, sponsored by Thomson American Health Consultants. If you missed the live call, the invaluable information from this program is available on compact disc.
