Complete Story
08/09/2016
New Life Safety Codes Impact ASCs
CMS and the Ohio Department of Health have approved the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Codes (LSC) for Ambulatory Surgery Centers. This is the first update to codes in over a decade. That being said, ODH, CMS and accrediting bodies have been stepping up LSC inspections in the past few years. Additionally, there have been numerous citations for centers that have been operating for years. Is your center one of them or one of the next?
Some of the most current life safety code citations include:
- Fire breaks/walls (in centers that have been in existence for decades)
- Fire suppression systems especially in document storage areas
- Generator maintenance
- Door locks (in buildings that have been used for decades)
- Battery backups
There is only one way to ensure you are meeting CMS and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) requirements on Life Safety Codes – OAASC’s Annual Conference with a full day of Life Safety Code Updates.
The effective date for the NEW codes was July 5 but CMS and ODH will start inspecting on these codes October 1.
There are significant changes for new surgery centers, but there are also changes for existing centers and who knows when CMS will start requiring existing centers to meet these standards.
Every ASC leader NEEDS to know what the current citations are or what you might get for and most importantly now what the new changes are.
The new 2012 changes include:
- Necessary deadlines
- New definitions of "wet locations"
- Changes for generator checks, fire watch, medical gas signage, receptacle requirements, & portable fire extinguishers
- New alcohol based hand sanitizers requirements
- Management of corridor equipment
- Door requirements for hazardous areas
- Review of power strips
As you know the codes are not exactly that easy to understand and at our annual conference, we will make it easier by reviewing the current citation, offering two one hour session on the current 2012 changes and then providing you with a plan to make the LSC a part of your ongoing QAPI processes so that you are not caught off guard.
Join us on September 15 for this one day session or better yet for all three days for an infection prevention training that will meet ODH and CMS requirements, clinical sessions that meet all your nursing requirements and business management education to improve business operations.
JOIN US for Ohio’s ONLY educational conference for ASC Professionals.
REMINDER - A FULL DAY OF LIFE SAFETY CODE UODATES WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY SEPT 15!
