* EC: Clarifications and Expectations: Living Better in the Built Environment (PDF/QV) [REF: EC] EC News, September 2015, Vol 18, #9, Pg 7 JCe1509_B6

The focus for this month’s C&E column is a small selection of 5 standards and a few of their EPs “that help ensure a higher standard of living and safety in the built environment”. This seemed uncharacteristically vague/generic and raised the question as to why dozens of other standards and hundreds of other EPs were not chosen. Three of the standards listed are among the the 10 most frequently cited of all standards in hospitals. It may be that the most significant take away from this article is insight into relative importance (TJC perspective) and perhaps frequency of citation for certain EP. For that reason we list them below:
• EP 1 and 13 of EC.02.06.01: @ patient care area safety, cleanliness, temperature and ventilation. (Did you know the acceptable range for relative humidity is 20%-60%?)
• EP 2 of LS.02.01.30 @ staff compromising of latches and locks and door props
• EP 6 of LS.02.01.35 @ the 18” storage rule
• EP 8 of EC.02.01.01 @ security sensitive areas
• EP 1, 4 and 6 of EC.02.01.03 @ prohibited smoking
The author also shared the insight that whenever “anything unsafe” is discovered in the patient care environment it is most likely to be cited under EP1 of EC.02.06.01. That might help to explain why it is now number one of TJC’s Top 10 Compliance Issues. The author also encouraged organizations to consider performing a risk assessment when potential hazards (e.g., exposed plumbing) is discovered.
Tip: Add these EP to your checklist for EOC Rounds and mock tracers.
See also: Clarifications and Expectations: 7 Easy Steps to Risk Assessment: How you can do it and why you need to.