Civil unrest while managing a pandemic: Lessons learned in Minnesota

Here are some lessons learned in Minneapolis during the civil unrest earlier this year after George Floyd died during a police arrest, the details of which went viral on social media.

Review policies on cyberattacks as FBI, HHS send new warning

The notice also listed two key findings: Cybercriminals are targeting the Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) Sector with Trickbot malware, which can lead to "ransomware attacks, data theft, and the disruption of healthcare services," and that these challenges will be heightened for organizations dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Flu shots still required but TJC eliminates 90% goal

As of January 1, 2021, you will have one less thing to worry about: The Joint Commission (TJC) is eliminating its requirement that hospitals set a goal toward achieving a 90% vaccination rate under Infection Prevention and Control standard IC.02.04.01.

Masking Tape/Taping Masks: Essential PPE is still in the mix…

Source: Mac's Safety Space

As 2020 continues to roll along with no apparent respite from dealing with COVID on the horizon, it’s probably not a bad idea to share some PPE-related resources with folks. 

Earthquake safety for hospitals: Before, during, and after

It behooves all hospitals to make a plan for earthquake safety and response. Even though they might be rare or unlikely where you are, that doesn’t make them less dangerous when they finally hit.

While many view earthquakes as a West Coast issue, the truth is that 45 states and U.S. territories are at moderate to high risk for earthquakes. Some of this risk is from natural features like fault lines and tectonic plates. However, more areas have been put at risk for shakes due to man-made causes, such as oil fracking.

TJC at ASHE: New requirements, revised process and tougher job for LSC surveyors

Expect The Joint Commission (TJC) to get tougher on water management and infection control, preconstruction risk assessments, workplace violence protections, and kitchen safety.

Don’t be surprised if TJC Life Safety Code® (LSC) surveyors go into places you may not have seen them venture into in years past. The same goes for clinical surveyors, who literally may be getting up in your kitchen—and possibly in the kitchens of any on-site commercial food service if it serves patients or residents.

TJC at ASHE: New water management standard specifies requirements

Your facility will need diagrams or schematics of its water system and a way to address stagnant water under the new requirements set out by a new standard from The Joint Commission (TJC).

The new Environment of Care standard EC.02.05.02 requires hospitals to have a water management program “in accordance with law and regulation.”

Sharps safety never stops

While the world is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic at the moment, other diseases like HIV/AIDS are still with us. In the U.S. alone, there were approximately 36,400 new HIV infections in 2018.

For that reason, laboratory workers and clinicians must remain vigilant in regard to needlesticks, sharps safety, and bloodborne infection prevention, says Dan Scungio, MT(ASCP), SLS, laboratory safety officer for multihospital system Sentara Healthcare in Virginia.

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bward@hcpro.com


HCPro
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This award-winning monthly resource simplifies confusing code references so you can better protect your facility. You need Healthcare Life Safety Compliance to keep you up to date on the latest changes to the Life Safety Code (LSC), as well as The Joint Commissions Life Safety standards, NFPA codes, and related fire protection provisions to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and employees.

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Keeping safety professionals up to speed with the always-changing policies of OSHA, CDC, EPA, and other healthcare regulatory agencies. Discover workplace health and safety tips written with facilities like yours in mind.