The requirements for central line-associated bloodstream infections, in particular, are a significant step forward. There is clear evidence in the literature that compliance with central line placement protocols can significantly drive down infection rates, he said. "This is something we all should be doing anyway," Dr. Cawley said.
Although many hospitals have made infection control a priority, having these new requirements from the Joint Commission will help to elevate those efforts, he added.
The Joint Commission also has added new requirements to the goal for medication reconciliation. Hospitals are advised to provide a complete and reconciled list of the patient's medications directly to the patient and explain the list at the time of discharge. In those settings where medications were used minimally or for a short duration, such as the emergency department, the hospital is required to perform a modified medication reconciliation process.
For example, if a short-term course of an antibiotic is prescribed, the patient should be provided with a list containing the medications that the patient will continue using after leaving the hospital.
Also new in 2009 is a requirement to eliminate transfusion errors related to patient misidentification.
Before beginning a blood or blood component transfusion, hospital staff must match the patient to the blood during a two-person bedside verification process. In cases where two individuals are not available, a bar code or other automated technology can be used in place of one of the individuals, according to the Joint Commission.