The Joint Commission provides an approach for writing policies that promote compliance with infection control standards, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The Joint Commission approach is based on requirements and chosen evidence-based guidelines. The following considerations are suggested:
• If a regulation exists, follow its direction in creating facility policies
• If a facility is deemed accredited to qualify for CMS, then it must meet conditions for participation (CfPs), conditions for coverage (CfCs) and Quality, Safety, Oversight or QSO letters. policies do not conflict with CMS requirements.
• Healthcare organizations must follow the manufacturer instructions for use (IFU) for equipment, supplies and products used and are required to resolve any conflicts that may exist.
• In an absence of clear requirements and recommendations provided by state regulation, conditions of participation (CoP) or IFUs, the next step for healthcare organizations is to review evidence-based guidelines or national standards.
• In the absence of regulation, CoPs, manufacturer instruction, evidence-based guidelines, or national standards, healthcare organizations may then consider position statements and other documents as guidance for developing infection control-related policies.
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