| 1 |
Improve the accuracy of resident identification. |
| a |
Use at least two resident identifiers (neither to be the resident's room number) whenever taking blood samples or administering medications or blood products. |
| 2 |
Improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers. |
| a |
Implement a process for taking verbal or telephone orders or critical test results that require a verification "read-back" of the complete order or test result by the person receiving the order or test result. |
| b |
Standardize the abbreviations, acronyms and symbols used throughout the organization, including a list of abbreviations, acronyms and symbols not to use. |
| 3 |
Not Applicable |
| 4 |
Not applicable. |
| 5 |
Improve the safety of using infusion pumps. |
| a |
Ensure free-flow protection on all general-use and PCA (resident controlled analgesia) intravenous infusion pumps used in the organization. |
| 6 |
Improve the effectiveness of clinical alarm systems. |
| a |
Implement regular preventive maintenance and testing of alarm systems. |
| b |
Assure that alarms are activated with appropriate settings and are sufficiently audible with respect to distances and competing noise within the unit. |
| 7 |
Reduce the risk of health care-acquired infections. |
| a |
Comply with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines. |
| b |
Manage as sentinel events all identified cases of unanticipated death or major permanent loss of function associated with a health care-acquired infection. |