Recently, we posted about the US Joint Commission’s New Ambulatory Surgery Center Standards for 2014. Now, the USJC has added further amendments that focus on current and new issues in quality and safety for all ambulatory service centers providing diagnostic imaging services.
The new Joint Commission requirements apply to ambulatory care organizations, accredited hospitals, and critical access hospitals offering services such as:
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Nuclear medicine (NM) services
The goal: to increase safety, efficiency, and quality of diagnostic imaging center services throughout the US for persons suffering from claustrophobia or hyperacusis, or requiring urgent medical care.
Phase 1
Effective July 1, 2014, updated safety standards apply to all ambulatory healthcare organizations, including those that have achieved Advanced Diagnostic Imaging center certification. Expect changes regarding the usage of MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, and nuclear medicine.
Phase 2
Based on advice from medical experts and organizations in the field of diagnostic imaging, the new Joint Commission requirements will be fully implemented by 2015. To be discussed: changes regarding fluoroscopy, CTs used in dentist offices, oral surgery guidelines, and application of minimum safety standards for physicians performing radiology.
Key points
All in all, current and updated standards for ambulatory centers performing diagnostic imaging include the following considerations:
• Annual evaluations
• Minimum registration and certification standards for physicians using imaging technology
• Patient records to include CT level of radiation
• Consideration of patient’s age, size, or comfort level when issuing MRI
• Increased safety during operation of MRI services
• Improved documentation of radiation usage
For a complete list of revised requirements for ambulatory care centers providing diagnostic imaging, visit the Joint Commission page.
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