By Dean Samet, CHSP
In a Q & A segment of The Joint Commission’s Environment of Care® News, June 2009, Volume 12, Issue 6, TJC’s Standards Interpretation Group (SIG) answers questions on how long computer on wheels and other wheeled carts may be in corridors, provided that they are “in use.” This issue continues to be a common finding during The Joint Commission surveys and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services inspections.
TJC explains, “Computers on wheels and other wheeled carts may be in the corridors, provided that they are “in use” and addressed in a fire plan (for example, moved from the corridor in an emergency situation). “In use” refers to anything in the corridors that is idle for less than 30 minutes. Crash carts and isolation carts (when associated with a patient) are considered to be in use at all times. Computers on wheels are allowed to charge in the corridors while in use and may be stored in alcoves, provided that the corridor width is not compromised at any time. Keep in mind that the batteries in the computers on wheels are to be the sealed lead-acid type of either absorbed glass mat design or sealed case. Finally, battery systems (li-ion or li-ion polymer) are to utilize a smart charging system with overcharge and shorted cell protection.”
Surveyors will be looking closely during survey to see if your organization is complying with the 30-minute “in use” rule. Occasional reminders to staff about this issue may help alleviate unwanted Requirements for Improvement (RFIs) during surveys or even a possible Immediate Threat to Health or Safety (ITHS) recommendation for compromised exits!
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