The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released updated guidance on ligature risk in hospitals, emphasizing patient safety measures. The revised guidelines, influenced by the American Hospital Association (AHA), highlight the importance of patient assessments, adequate staffing, monitoring units, and risk assessments to mitigate environmental hazards. AHA members will receive a Special Bulletin with more details soon.
On July 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued revised guidance for state surveyors to evaluate ligature risk in hospitals. Ligature risk refers to the potential danger faced by patients who may harm themselves or others due to environmental factors. The updated guidance aims to enhance patient safety by outlining specific measures that hospitals can implement.
In response to the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) recommendations, the CMS guidance emphasizes that hospitals can exhibit compliance with patient safety standards through various means. These include conducting thorough patient assessments, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, closely monitoring units, and conducting risk assessments to identify and address environmental hazards. By adhering to these guidelines, hospitals can effectively mitigate ligature risk and promote the well-being of patients.
The AHA has played an instrumental role in advocating for these clarifications, and they will soon provide their members with a Special Bulletin that delves further into the revised guidance. This bulletin will likely offer additional insights and recommendations to assist hospitals in implementing the new requirements.
The CMS’s updated guidance underscores the significance of proactive measures in ensuring patient safety within hospital environments. By following the outlined strategies, healthcare facilities can create a secure and supportive atmosphere for individuals at risk of self-harm or posing harm to others.
