JCAHO Plan Would Require Bar Codes at Bedside

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

jcaho plan would require bar codes at bedside

hospitals would have to develop a plan for implementing bar code technology at the bedside, to be operational by january 2007, as part of the revised patient safety goals proposed by the joint commission on accreditation of healthcare organizations (jcaho). the jcaho proposal also would establish three new patient safety goals -- reconciling medications during patient transfers, reducing the risk of patient harm from falls and reducing the risk of surgical fires. read the proposal at www.jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/05_npsg_fr.htm.

[TinyNurse, RN]

sounds good to me. I think we already do the barcode system in my hospital.

xoxo Jen

[Renee' Y-Y]

I knew the mandatory barcoding system would only be a matter of time...it seems, so far, it comes the closest to protecting our patients.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Couldn't get the bar code link to load.

Thanks.

[FullMoonMadness]

We use the bar code system. At first I hated it, bulky med cart with computer and scanner that I push to each room. But it also gives me instant access to the patients chart and labs prior to giving certain meds that are lab dependant. I can also chart at the bedside. Its not perfect, but I like it.