The Joint Commission applauds the October 24 memorandum from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that clarifies the use of standing orders in hospitals.
This clarification was sought by The Joint Commission and others and brings CMS’ interpretation of standing orders into alignment with The Joint Commission’s view on how to facilitate the timely treatment of certain patients, particularly those who need medications, not previously ordered, to be administered within brief timeframes. The Joint Commission identified the issue through concerns raised by the field and brought it to the attention of CMS. The Joint Commission has been working with CMS on this issue for some time, advocating on behalf of Joint Commission accredited hospitals.
The Joint Commission believes this approach provides the safest, most expeditious way to provide timely care and treatment to patients. CMS’ previous interpretation of its Conditions of Participation on this issue raised serious questions about whether common safety practices in the care of newborns, patients with asthma and other acute conditions, and deteriorating patients would be permitted to continue.
October 29, 2008
Contact:
Ken Powers
Media Relations Manager
The Joint Commission
630-792-5175
kpowers@jointcommission.org