Mention to a hospital security director or police chief that their healthcare facility is going to be visited by the Joint Commission or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and their first reaction might be to panic.
According to International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Immediate Past President David LaRose, however, security directors should have nothing to fear if they set up their programs with the guidelines provided by CMS and the Joint Commission in mind.
Following these guidelines can also help you comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as other regulations and local ordinances.
In LaRose’s interview with Campus Safety magazine at the IAHSS 2016 annual conference, he describes the approach he takes in complying with Joint Commission and CMS guidelines.
