The Facility Guidelines Institute has proposed 2014 architectural guidelines for surgery centers that may prove burdensome, according to an ASCA report.
The FGI is tasked with developing standards for healthcare facilities. Their additions for 2014 include requirements that:
• Operating rooms have a minimum size of 360 square feet;
• Doors be at least 37 inches wide and any door used for gurney transport have a 44 inch opening;
• A two-position sink be provided in every OR;
• The recovery area have a dedicated staff toilet; and,
• All staff lounges have doors that lead directly into the semi-restricted area.
The guidelines apply only to new facilities, but according to ASCA, regulatory authorities have historically imposed updated architectural standards on existing surgery centers as well, particularly when centers transfer ownership or seek regulatory approval.
ASCA is asking members to complete this survey so the organization can determine the impact of the proposed FGI standards on existing ASCs and provide feedback to the Institute.
Related Articles on ASCA:
CMS Corrects List of Payable Procedures for Surgery Centers
Nominations Open for ASCA 2013 Board of Directors
National Medical Billing Services' Tamara Wagner Presents at ASCA Seminar
The FGI is tasked with developing standards for healthcare facilities. Their additions for 2014 include requirements that:
• Operating rooms have a minimum size of 360 square feet;
• Doors be at least 37 inches wide and any door used for gurney transport have a 44 inch opening;
• A two-position sink be provided in every OR;
• The recovery area have a dedicated staff toilet; and,
• All staff lounges have doors that lead directly into the semi-restricted area.
The guidelines apply only to new facilities, but according to ASCA, regulatory authorities have historically imposed updated architectural standards on existing surgery centers as well, particularly when centers transfer ownership or seek regulatory approval.
ASCA is asking members to complete this survey so the organization can determine the impact of the proposed FGI standards on existing ASCs and provide feedback to the Institute.
Related Articles on ASCA:
CMS Corrects List of Payable Procedures for Surgery Centers
Nominations Open for ASCA 2013 Board of Directors
National Medical Billing Services' Tamara Wagner Presents at ASCA Seminar