What are The Joint Commission's (TJC) rules for handling open products in patient care areas?

The Joint Commission Rules for Open Products in Patient Care Areas

The Joint Commission requires that sterile items and dental supplies should be stored in covered or closed cabinets to prevent contamination and maintain sterility. 1

Storage Requirements for Products

• Store sterile items and dental supplies in covered or closed cabinets whenever possible to prevent contamination 1
• Immediately discard any instrument package that has been compromised (opened, torn, or damaged) 1
• Maintain upholstered furniture in good repair by repairing tears and holes to maintain surface integrity 1
• If upholstered furniture requires cleaning to remove visible soil or body substance contamination, move it to a maintenance area for appropriate cleaning 1

Environmental Infection Control

• Follow manufacturers' instructions for correct use of cleaning and EPA-registered hospital disinfecting products 1
• Clean clinical contact surfaces that are not barrier-protected using an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with low to intermediate-level activity after each patient 1
• Use an intermediate-level disinfectant if surfaces are visibly contaminated with blood 1
• Prepare fresh cleaning or EPA-registered disinfecting solutions daily and as instructed by the manufacturer 1
• Pay close attention to cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces in patient care areas (bed rails, carts, charts, doorknobs, faucet handles) 1

Product Management

• Do not leave damp textiles or fabrics in machines overnight to prevent microbial growth 1
• Thoroughly dry wet carpeting to prevent fungal growth; replace carpeting that remains wet after 72 hours 1
• Bottles of antiseptics should be dated, not refilled, and discarded if not used within 28 days after opening to prevent contamination 1
• Use single-use packs for alcohol pads, chlorhexidine gluconate, and iodine products when possible 1

Special Considerations for Different Areas

• Avoid using carpeting in high-traffic zones in patient care areas or where spills are likely (operating rooms, laboratories, intensive care units) 1
• Do not use carpeting in hallways and patient rooms in areas housing immunosuppressed patients 1
• Avoid using upholstered furniture and furnishings in high-risk patient care areas and areas with increased potential for body substance contamination (pediatric units) 1
• Do not allow fresh or dried flowers, or potted plants, in patient care areas for immunosuppressed patients 1

Handling Spills and Contamination

• Spot-clean blood or body substance spills on carpeting promptly 1
• If a spill occurs on carpet tiles, replace any tiles contaminated by blood and body fluids 1
• Clean spills of blood or other potentially infectious materials and decontaminate surfaces with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant with appropriate activity level 1
• Use appropriate PPE (gloves, protective clothing, eyewear/face shield) when cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces 1

Medication and Supply Management

• The Joint Commission requires a standardized process for patients receiving anticoagulants to improve patient safety 2
• Barcode scanning capabilities for medications, blood, and human milk provide an additional layer of security for error prevention 1
• Electronic ordering of medications with weight-based calculations and alerts specific to pediatric populations helps prevent medication errors 1

By following these guidelines, healthcare facilities can ensure compliance with The Joint Commission standards while maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff, ultimately reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections and improving patient outcomes.