Recently, the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its “Clarification of Hospital Equipment Maintenance Requirements,” and has roused the profession, prompting debate and the formation of a coalition that includes biomeds, The Joint Commission, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), ECRI Institute, and health care facilities.
The controversy involves the CMS decision to require hospitals to adhere, without deviation, to the maintenance methods recommended by the equipment manufacturers. This strict regulation would remain in place on all equipment until a sufficient amount of maintenance history has been acquired (See more in our January 30 Vitalsigns Top Story).
The strict methodology requirement has not pleased many in the industry. One director suggested it would set the profession back 25 years if carried out. According to an AAMI release (click here for the release and then on the link to read the memo), “It was greeted with dismay by many hospital-based biomeds.”
Do you agree? Let us know what you think.
And, if you have strategy recommendations, AAMI and the coalition would like to hear them. You can share your comments or recommendations on this proposed regulation with AAMI by clicking here.
