Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Advanced Officer Certification Practice Exam

Which agency mandates Hazard Surveillance Rounds in healthcare facilities?

1. Occupational Safety Health Association (OSHA)

2. The Joint Commission (TJC)

3. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

4. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The correct answer is: The Joint Commission (TJC)

The Joint Commission (TJC) is the correct choice for mandating Hazard Surveillance Rounds in healthcare facilities. TJC is primarily responsible for accrediting and evaluating healthcare organizations, ensuring they meet certain performance standards to promote patient safety and quality of care. One of their critical functions is to assess the physical environment of healthcare facilities, which includes conducting hazard surveillance rounds. These rounds are designed to identify potential safety hazards and compliance with safety standards. By incorporating systematic rounds, TJC supports healthcare organizations in proactively managing risks that could impact the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. In contrast, the other agencies, while important in their respective domains, do not specifically require Hazard Surveillance Rounds. OSHA focuses on occupational health and safety regulations for workers, the NFPA is concerned with fire safety standards, and the EPA addresses environmental protection issues. Each of these plays a role in the broader framework of safety and compliance, but only TJC has established the requirement for hazard surveillance within the context of healthcare accreditation and safety evaluations.