Accreditation Standards for Hospital Supply and Equipment Management: The Joint Commission and DNV GL Healthcare

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • The Joint Commission and DNV GL Healthcare are the two main accreditation bodies overseeing hospital supply and equipment management in the United States.
  • Accreditation ensures that hospitals adhere to strict standards for safety, quality, and efficiency in managing their supplies and equipment.
  • Hospitals must undergo regular inspections and audits to maintain their accreditation status and provide safe and effective care to patients.

Hospitals in the United States are required to meet strict standards for safety, quality, and efficiency in managing their supplies and equipment. To ensure compliance with these standards, hospitals undergo accreditation by reputable organizations that oversee various aspects of healthcare delivery. In the context of supply and equipment management, two main accreditation bodies play a crucial role in setting and enforcing standards for hospitals.

The Joint Commission

One of the most well-known accreditation bodies in the healthcare industry is The Joint Commission. Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies over 22,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. The organization's mission is to continuously improve healthcare for the public by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care.

Standards for Supply and Equipment Management

The Joint Commission has established rigorous standards for hospitals to follow in managing their supplies and equipment. These standards cover a wide range of areas, including inventory control, equipment maintenance, staff training, and emergency preparedness. By adhering to these standards, hospitals can ensure that their supplies and equipment are safe, reliable, and readily available when needed.

Inspections and Audits

To maintain accreditation with The Joint Commission, hospitals must undergo regular inspections and audits of their supply and equipment management practices. These inspections are conducted by trained surveyors who assess the hospital's compliance with The Joint Commission's standards. Hospitals that fail to meet these standards may be issued citations and required to implement corrective actions to address deficiencies.

DNV GL Healthcare

Another prominent accreditation body in the United States is DNV GL Healthcare. DNV GL Healthcare is part of DNV GL, a global certification and Risk Management company that helps organizations improve their business performance and create a safer and more sustainable world. DNV GL Healthcare accredits hospitals and other healthcare organizations based on their commitment to quality, safety, and performance improvement.

Requirements for Accreditation

DNV GL Healthcare accreditation focuses on helping hospitals achieve excellence in all aspects of their operations, including supply and equipment management. The organization's requirements for accreditation are based on its National Integrated Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (NIAHO) standards, which emphasize continuous improvement, patient-centered care, and Risk Management.

  1. Supply Chain Management
  2. Equipment Maintenance
  3. Disaster Preparedness

Benefits of Accreditation

Hospitals that earn accreditation from DNV GL Healthcare demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality care and safe practices in managing their supplies and equipment. Accreditation also helps hospitals improve their processes, reduce risks, and enhance patient outcomes. By meeting DNV GL Healthcare's rigorous standards, hospitals can enhance their reputation, attract more patients, and position themselves as leaders in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

Accreditation by organizations such as The Joint Commission and DNV GL Healthcare is essential for hospitals to maintain high standards of supply and equipment management. By undergoing regular inspections and audits, hospitals can ensure that they are providing safe and effective care to their patients. Accreditation also helps hospitals improve their processes, reduce risks, and enhance patient outcomes, ultimately leading to better quality of care for all individuals seeking medical treatment.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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