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Developing methods for addressing Life Safety Code® challenges for 2008

Accreditation Connection, May 16, 2008

Editor’s note: This feature explores problematic Joint Commission standards with expert advice from a BOJ advisor, Jodi Eisenberg, MHA, CPMSM, CPHQ, program manager of accreditation and clinical compliance at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

With the introduction of a Life Safety Code® (LSC) specialist for surveys conducted in 2008, the field will continue to see an increasing focus on the standards within the “Environment of Care” chapter. For many larger hospitals, the 2007 surveys included an LSC specialist for one to two days. This survey specialist focused on evaluating the environment of care with special attention to issues related to the National Fire Protection Association LSC.

Standard EC.1.7 requires that hospitals have a life safety management plan. For the average employee, life safety means protecting people in the building from fire or fire hazards. EC.2 standards require that we implement these plans and teach employees about them at orientations and on an ongoing basis. Employees should understand that hospital buildings are constructed to protect and preserve the people within, unlike regular business-occupancy buildings, where escape and evacuation is the first line of defense. Employees should be well versed on their specific roles and responsibilities in response to fires, protecting patients within the building, and preparing for evacuation if necessary.

Access the full story in the May issue of Briefings on The Joint Commission. Access is free for BOJ subscribers; nonsubscribers can purchase a copy of the story for $10 by clicking here.

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