CMS clarifies ligature risk policy
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently issued a memo clarifying its ligature risk policy, which pertains to environmental safeguards for patients at risk of harm to self or others. The agency expects to release comprehensive guidance for state survey agencies and accrediting organizations in the next six months. Meanwhile, the accrediting body or state agency has authority to determine the level of citation for ligature deficiencies based on its expert opinion, CMS said. According to the clarifying memo, the focus for a ligature “resistant” or ligature “free” environment is primarily aimed at psychiatric hospitals and units, and does not apply to non-psychiatric units of acute care hospitals.
Related News Articles
Headline
The Food and Drug Administration has identified Class I recalls for the following products due to the potential for serious injury or death:Certain lots of…
Headline
Randy Fagin, M.D., chief quality officer at HCA Healthcare, shares insights into the organization’s bold approach to improving safety outcomes. From piloting…
Headline
The AHA Quest for Quality Prize honors hospitals and health systems committed to leadership and innovation in improving quality and advancing health. Learn how…
Headline
A JAMA study published Aug. 20 found that nearly 63% of all U.S. drug production facilities from 2019 through 2024 were in counties where a weather disaster…
Blog
Read about the 2025 Quest for Quality Prize winner and finalist — and apply for the 2026 awardEach day, health care professionals across the U.S. leverage…
Headline
A study published by JAMA Aug. 13 found that a two-dose antibiotic treatment could be just as effective as traditional long-term IV therapy for treating…