* EC:  Nine Keys to a Successful Environment of Care Document Review: How you can stay on top of documentation with a few simple techniques (PDF/QV) [REF: AOM, EOC, JCSC] EC News, June 2015, Vol 18, #6, Pg 9 JCe1506_B4

This article, written by a facility support director in Virginia, is a real pearl for those who will prepare for and/or participate in an environment of care documentation review process.  The keys are actually actions.  Nine important and practical action steps to better prepared for the document review process conducted by the Life Safety Code Specialist (LSCS) during every TJC triennial survey are described.  They are:

1. – Provide only what’s needed.
2. – Bring only one year’s data to the document review.
3. – Organize! (i.e., binders and folders)
4. – Provide a summary sheet.
5. – Make sure all activities are completed on time.
6. – Follow up on any deficiencies noted during the inspections.
7. – Make sure there are no holes in the documentation.
8. – Keep three years’ worth of data available at all times.
9. – Have all your environment of care policies and procedures up-to-date and ready for review in case the surveyor requests them.

For each of the above, the author provides insight and examples to help underscore the value and utility of what is recommended.  The article also references the EC Frequency Documentation Checklist@ presented last year (See also below) and includes a useful sidebar reminder of the definitions TJC uses for the various time frames referenced in standards (e.g., quarterly = Every 3 months plus or minus 10 days).
Tip: Every leader with EOC-related compliance/survey readiness responsibility should read this 3-page guide and take advantage of its suggestions.
See also: Not Documented, Not Done: How to keep track of what you need to do for Joint Commission standards compliance—and prove that you’ve done it