Is there a single standard for all accrediting agencies?
In selecting the accrediting agencies, DOH required that the agencies have standards in various categories including environmental. Each of the designated accrediting agencies demonstrated to the satisfaction of DOH that they had standards and a process for evaluating those standards. It is not necessary for the standards to be identical and with one exception, DOH is not contemplating having a single set of standards at this time. With respect to infection control, however, there are certain standards that all accrediting agencies will have to use. Accrediting agencies must have standards that include a prohibition on the re-use of syringes and needles. Multi-dose vials may be used, preferably only for a single individual patient. Products that are not currently available in single-dose vials or for which a single patient would not use all of a multi-dose vial, such as vaccines, tuberculin, etc. may be used on more than one patient, as long as appropriate infection control guidelines
Related Questions
- Are the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and other accrediting agencies considered health oversight agencies?
- What guarantee is there that agencies will be able to carry out inspections to as high a standard as the traditional inspectors?
- Is there a single standard for all accrediting agencies?
