Q. Are fans allowed in patient care areas, laboratories, or other support areas in an organization?
A. It has been common practice to not allow fans in laboratories or patient care areas, but it is not prohibited by Joint Commission standards. While fans may be used for additional comfort of the patient, such as those with respiratory distress or post cardiac surgery, they may indicate to surveyors that a temperature control or ventilation problem exists, which can impact equipment, patient testing results, and overall patient care. This concern usually arises after adding equipment or use of the space without increasing the size of space or ventilation. Perform an assessment to determine the need for the fan based on risks pertinent to the needs of the patient and the ventilation and/or temperature concerns for equipment, airborne particles/contamination that may impact patient care, cultures or equipment operation, and possible tripping hazard(s) created by cords.