* EC: Clarifications and Expectations: Revised Equipment Maintenance Standards for Hospitals The Joint Commission explains enhanced requirements[®] [REF: 2014, CMS, EOC, SFT] EC News, September 2014, Vol 17, #9, Pg 1 JCe1409_B4

The CMS requirement for closer alignment of TJC standards has caused another round of new and revised EPs.  This time the focus is medical equipment (EC.02.04…) and components of utility systems (EC.02.05…) as related to the following:
•  EC.02.04.01, EP 2, and EC.02.05.01, EP 2 (Revised)  “Hospitals seeking deemed status must now include ALL medical equipment/ components of utility systems in their inventories”
•  EC.02.04.01, EP 3, and EC.02.05.01, EP 3 (Revised)   ‘High-risk’ has been added to the description of equipment/utility system components that must be identified.
•  EC.02.04.01, EP 4, and EC.02.05.01, EP 4 (Revised)   There must be written identification of ALL activities with associated frequencies for maintaining, inspecting, and testing.
•  EC.02.04.01, EP 5, and EC.02.05.01, EP 5 (New)  “identifies when a hospital
must still use manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance activities”
•  EC.02.04.01, EPs 6-7, and EC.02.05.01, EPs 6-7 (New)  The decision to use an alternative equipment maintenance (AEM) schedule must be made by a qualified person who uses written criteria and identifies that equipment as AEM on the appropriate inventory.
•  EC.02.04.03, EP 1, and EC.02.05.05, EP 1 (Revised)   Requires performance of safety/operational/functional checks before first use and “after major repairs or upgrades”.
•  EC.02.04.03, EPs 2-3 and EC.02.05.05, EPs 2-3 (Revised) Revised to replace the term life support with high risk.
Tip: To keep up with new 2014 requirements and/or CMS updates, review the following Custom Information Feeds: (CIF_2014) and/or (CIF_CMS)