The Joint Commission addressed staff food and drink at a healthcare facility.
The Joint Commission doesn't currently have standards specifically based on staff food or drink in patient care or work areas, but some states have requirements providers must follow. Here are five key thoughts on the risk assessment for staff food and drink at the healthcare facility:
1. Many states prohibit staff food and drink in clinical areas. Staff may consume food and drink in break areas.
2. OSHA Bloodbourne Pathogen Standards prohibit food and drink where contamination is likely, like a laboratory that handles specimens.
3. There are standards requiring organizations to establish best practices after conducting an environmental risk assessment and taking infection control issues into account.
4. Some state and local health departments have established positions on food in healthcare facilities and The Joint Commission's survey process validates the organization complies with established policies.
5. Organizations are responsible for defining patient care and staff work areas where food and drink policies apply.