The Joint Commission surveyors are spending more time during surveys evaluating cleaning, high-level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization processes, according to an AORN report.
This comes after The Joint Commission surveyors received in-depth training on sterilization processes earlier this year, with plans in the works for similar training pertaining to HLD of endoscopes.
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In a recent issue of Joint Commission Online (pdf), The Joint Commission encouraged accredited organizations performing sterilization or HLD to review their processes in detail and compare their policies and procedures with relevant guidelines to help ensure processes are up-to-date.
AORN reports it is currently updating its own "Recommended Practices for Sterilization."
Read the AORN report about The Joint Commission's increased focus on sterilization.
Related Articles on Sterilization:
Loaner Instrumentation Checklist: 10 Steps to Follow
10 Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Sterilization
Selection of Disinfection or Sterilization