Safety Standards Pose Problems for TJC-Accredited Hospitals

Safety-related requirements continue to plague hospitals, according to The Joint Commission’s latest list of most-cited standards data through the first six months of 2018.

Released in the September issue of Perspectives, the data was aggregated from 676 applicable Joint Commission hospital surveys from January 1 through June 30.

The top-cited standard is LS.02.01.35, related to providing and maintaining fire extinguishing systems, with 88% (86% in 2017). The rest of the list is as follows:

• EC.02.05.01 – The hospital manages risks associated with its utility systems (80%; 73% in 2017)
• IC.02.02.01 – The hospital reduces the risk of infections associated with medical equipment, devices, and supplies (74%; 72% in 2017)
• EC.02.06.01 – The hospital establishes and maintains a safe, functional environment (73%; 70% in 2017)
• LS.02.01.30 – The hospital provides and maintains building features to protect individuals from the hazards of fire and smoke (72%; 72% in 2017)
• LS.02.01.10 – Building and fire protection features are designed and maintained to minimize the effects of fire, smoke, and heat (69%; 66% in 2017)
• LS.02.01.20 – The hospital maintains the integrity of the means of egress (66%; 62% in 2017)
• EC.02.05.05 – The hospital inspects, tests, and maintains utility systems (64%; 62% in 2017)
• IC.02.01.01 – The hospital implements its infection prevention and control plan (61%; not on list in 2017)
• EC.02.02.01 – The hospital manages risks related to hazardous materials and waste (61%; 63% in 2017)

See the September Perspectives for lists of the most-cited standards for critical access hospitals, home health, nursing care centers, and other Joint Commission certification programs.