Some thoughts about The Joint Commission’s new EPs

Regarding these new EPs The Joint Commission released this week, I’d say fortunately, at least on the EC side of things, this is all stuff that is already (or should already be) in place by any organization that can be surveyed directly under the Conditions of Participation (COPs).

For instance, the expansion of consideration of radiation as a hazardous materials under EC.02.02.01 is a direct reflection of section 482.53(c) under the physical environment section of the COPs.

Ditto for the change in language relating to equipment management and the qualifications of staff in the inspection, testing, etc., of nuclear medicine equipment (EC.02.04.03). One interesting point is that nuclear medicine equipment is now specifically identified as requiring attention on annual basis, which was always a component of radiation protection programs (which are generally regulated by state departments of public health).

The addition of the third horseman of the housekeeping apocalypse–the inclusion of the word “sanitary” under EC.02.06.01–is also specifically mentioned in COP 482.42, as in the “hospital must provide a sanitary environment to avoid sources and transmission of infectious and communicable diseases.”

To which I would respond: Well, duh! Ultimately, sanitation is the framework for cleaning and the removal of offensive odors. (What would John Waters have to say about offensive odors, or at least the nature of giving offense-hospitals in Smell-a-vision!)

I’ll talk more about the new life safety EP later this week, and I’m sure all of these new EPs will come up during our 3rd Annual Hospital Safety Center Symposium.