October 2009
CMS outlines flash sterilization clarification for ASC surveys
In a September letter clarifying flash sterilization guidelines for ASC surveys, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) told its Survey and Certification Group that sterilization of unwrapped or uncontained loads should not be routine practice in ASCs.
George Allen, PhD, RN, CIC, CNORDownstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY
Fostering collaboration between the perioperative staff and infection preventionist. Read more+
AORN, APIC set tone of collaboration on International Infection Prevention Week
AORN and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) set a new precedent this year, coming together as partners in presenting International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW). Read more+
AORN member log-ins to AORN.org changed as of Oct. 19; find out how to log-in to the site. Also in this issue, several groups and individuals have come forward to protest New York’s mandatory flu vaccinations for state healthcare workers, a study hints at the pros and cons of minimally invasive prostate surgery and more. Read more+
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care announced it has added standards for the Medical Home to its 2009 Accreditation Handbook for Ambultatory Care. Also in this issue, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases data showing that 70% of cancer patients eligible for breast reconstruction procedures are not informed of the option by providers. Read more+
