CLIA Waived Testing Frequently Cited Deficiencies 

By Sandra Jones, CASC, CPHRM, LHRM, CHCQM, FHFMA, Ambulatory Strategies Inc.
[email protected]

Question: We heard another surgery center was cited by state inspectors for not cleaning their Glucometer correctly between patients. Our staff has different opinions of what is required. Someone suggested we use a particular cleaning wipe and someone else suggested alcohol wipes. What should we use?

Deadlines from Quality Reporting Center

Quality Reporting Center has a couple of dates you should put on your calendar.

• May 15 – The tool on QualityNet used for entering data for ASC-9 and ASC-10 opened on January 2, 2018. You can now enter your facility’s endoscopy measure data for 2017 encounters to fulfill ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program requirements. The updated ASCQR Reference Checklist summarizes these requirements for you. The tool closes on the May 15 deadline.

Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization

Sandra Jones and Patty Spain of Ambulatory Strategies Inc. and Phenelle Segal of Infection Control Consulting Services.

Question:

What is considered an Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization? Is it the same as flash? Or, is it considered “short cycle”?

Comprehensive Emergency Management Program

Sandra Jones, Ambulatory Strategies Inc.
[email protected]

Question:

Now that CMS has released a guide to the requirements for a Comprehensive Emergency Management Program, are there any resources we should consider in developing our plan?