Tubing and catheter misconnections errors occur with significant frequency as reported by the FDA, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), ECRI and The Joint Commission.
As...
Question
What are CDC recommendations for preconception counseling and prevention of sexual transmission of the Zika Virus?
Answer
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has interim guidance for pre-pregnancy...
This is the second part of our review of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule that require hospitals to develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency preparedness...
Question
What is the process for disinfecting toys that are in waiting rooms or on the pediatric unit?
Answer
Waiting areas and play areas have an array of toys and books for children. ...
AABB, America’s Blood Centers and the American Red Cross have issued a critical appeal for blood and platelet donors across the country. With the nation’s blood supply facing significantly low...
CMS recently updated the star ratings on the Hospital Compare  website to help millions of patients and their families learn about the quality of hospitals, compare facilities in their area side-by-side,...
The Joint Commission recently announced new Medication Management standard, MM.09.01.01 for hospitals, critical access hospitals, and nursing care centers. This new standard addresses antimicrobial stewardship and becomes effective January 1,...
Question:
Is there a CMS regulation that requires a critical access hospital’s patient care policies and procedures to be approved by the governing body?
Answer:
Yes, the Governing Body of a Critical Access Hospital or...
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced several new actions to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic. The actions include:
Expanding access to buprenorphine, a medication to...