Campus employees, particularly those who work in the hospital or with patients, are urged to become familiar with the seven Environment of Care (EOC) areas in preparation for the medical center’s Joint Commission On Accreditation Of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) visit.
“We need everyone’s help to get ready for this summer’s JCAHO survey,” said Safety Officer John Hauser. “It’s important for employees to know about the EOC standards because the accreditation process is critical for the continued success of The Nebraska Medical Center.”
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A health care organization undergoes an on-site evaluation, known as a survey, which is usually three days. A team of surveyors meets with the health care organization personnel, recipients of care and visitors, observes the delivery of care, and reviews systems and processes to assess the organization’s compliance with standards. Standards address quality and safety of care. Infection control, emergency management, patient rights, human resources and performance improvement are examples of the performance areas representing the 500-plus hospital accreditation standards. |
EOC standards require hospitals to implement management programs for seven areas: safety, hazardous materials and waste, security, emergency management, fire prevention, medical equipment and utility systems. Each plan includes provisions for staff orientation and education, performance monitoring and periodic plan review.
Officials with The Nebraska Medical Center have established an education program to help provide information on important issues related to this section of the standards. In the first of a series of JCAHO related articles, readers today will take a closer look at the seven EOC areas.
Safety Management — Features policies and procedures based on experience, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and accepted practices. Hauser is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the safety management program. The hospital safety committee analyzes identified EOC management issues and develops recommendations for resolving them.
Security Management — Provides a secure place to work and provide patient care. Emergency security procedures have been established in the event of a security incident or failure, as well as for handling civil disturbances and situations involving VIPs or the media. There also is a provision for additional staff to control human and vehicle traffic during disasters.
Hazardous Materials and Waste Management — Looks at waste reduction and minimizes risk associated with hazardous materials.
Emergency Management — Addresses how the medical center responds to internal and external emergencies. A vulnerability analysis is done to determine areas of emphasis and plan development.
Fire Prevention Management — Protects persons and property from fire hazards and includes procedures for responding to fires. It also includes a program to establish interim life safety measures to address hazards created by Life Safety Code deficiencies or construction projects. In addition, condition statements must be kept current for all healthcare facilities regarding fire and life safety codes.
Medical Equipment – Promotes the safe and effective use of medical equipment. It also includes a medical equipment inventory and maintenance schedule for all equipment.
Utility systems management — Promotes a safe, controlled, comfortable environment of care. It also assesses and minimizes risks of utility failures, ensures operational reliability of utility systems and includes emergency procedures for systems disruptions or failures.
More information
Contacts for the various areas are:
- Safety Management — John Hauser, 559-7315
- Security Management – Gary Svanda, 559-4432
- Hazardous Materials and Waste Management — Susan Holmes, 559-8357
- Emergency Management – Gary Svanda, 559-4432, or John Hauser, 559-7315
- Fire Prevention Management – John Hauser, 559-7315
- Medical Equipment – Rob Kessler, 552-3478
- Utility Systems Management – Nick Combs, 559-5292