January 8, 2013
As previously reported, ASCA submitted a letter to the chairman of the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) in response to problematic provisions in FGI’s 2014 proposed facility guidelines that are excessive and burdensome, particularly for smaller ASCs. One such concern is a provision that would increase the minimum operating room size requirement from 120 square feet to 360 square feet.
ASCA received a response letter from Douglas S. Erickson, FASHE, CHFM, HFDP, CHC, chair of the Health Guidelines Revision Committee. Mr. Erickson states that the purpose of this letter is to “explain more about the FGI process and the intent of the changes for the 2014 edition.” ASCA is grateful for such a thoughtful response from the FGI, and encourages members to read this response here.
It is ASCA’s concern that the FGI does not fully understand the problems that increasing the operating room minimum size requirement would cause for ASCs. In addition, while technically the guidelines approved by FGI apply only to new facilities, regulatory authorities have been known to impose updated architectural standards on existing ASCs when centers transfer ownership or seek regulatory approvals.
We need your input immediately!
If you have not done so already, please click here to complete a short survey so that we can assess the impact of the proposed FGI standards on existing ASCs and provide meaningful guidance to the FGI regarding appropriate modifications to its proposal.
Please forward this survey to an individual within your organization who can answer basic questions regarding characteristics of your operating rooms and recovery areas.
Click here to review the proposed standard for Outpatient Surgery.
Click here to review the proposed standards as they apply to Endoscopy.
The FGI is a not-for-profit organization that publishes revised guidelines on the design and construction of health care facilities, including ASCs, every four years. The guidelines are used by The Joint Commission, many federal agencies and authorities in 42 states as a code or a reference standard when reviewing, approving or accrediting newly constructed health care facilities.
If you have any questions, please email Kara Newbury.
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