ANNOUNCEMENT: Joint Commission Statement on Use of Face Masks Brought From Home
The Joint Commission supports allowing staff to bring their own standard face masks or respirators to wear at work when their healthcare organizations cannot routinely provide access to protective equipment that is commensurate with the
risk to which they are exposed. In taking this position, The Joint Commission recognizes:
1. Hospitals must conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) when these items are in short supply to protect staff who perform high-risk procedures. 2. The degree to which privately-owned masks and respirators will increase the protection
of healthcare workers is uncertain, but the balance of evidence suggests that it is positive. 3. No Joint Commission standards or other requirements prohibit staff from using PPE brought from home. 4. Homemade masks are an extreme measure and should be used
only when standard PPE of proven protective value is unavailable.
The evidence assessment and policy analysis that is the foundation of this statement on this link:
https://www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/resources/patient-safety-topics/infection-prevention-and-hai/covid19/public_statement_on_masks_from_home.pdf
Be well,
Nancy Clover RN, COHN-S, FAAOHN
Occupational Health Connections
PO Box 2106 Methuen, MA 01844
Tel: 978-686-9739
Fax: 978-258-2682
Nancy@OccHealthConnections.com
www.OccHealthConnections.com
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From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces+nancy=occhealthconnections.com@mylist.net>
On Behalf Of Galaid Edward I
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 2:37 PM
To: Occ-Env-Med-L@listserv.unc.edu; mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Nontraditional Mask Use
Cross posted to OEM-L and MCOH…4 Questions…
Are you using non-traditional masks;
Do you provide direction as to how they are use;
What they should be made of;
How they should be laundered or inspected for continued use or disposal/disinfection?
Thanks. Will share results.
Ed
Edward I. Galaid, MD, MPH, FACOEM
ABIM, ABPM (OM)
Medical Director, Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Occupational Medicine
Charleston, SC
Member, ACOEM Task Group, Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Law Enforcement Officers
Special Expert, NFPA Fire Service Occupational Safety & Health (FIX-AAA) Committee
(O) 843-402-5053
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