CMS SOM App. L, Tag Q-0232

The patient has the right to –

(2) Receive care in a safe setting.

Interpretive Guidelines: §416.50(f)(2)

Each patient should receive care in an environment that a reasonable person would

consider to be safe. The ASC staff should follow current standards of practice for patient

environmental safety, infection control, and security. The ASC staff should also provide

protection for the patient’s emotional health and safety as well as the patient’s physical

safety. Respect, dignity, and comfort would be components of an emotionally safe

environment.

Survey Procedures: §416.50(f)(2)

• Review and analyze patient and staff incident and accident reports to identify any

incidents or patterns of incidents concerning a safe environment. Expand your

review if you suspect a problem with safe environment in the ASC.

• Review safety, infection control and security documentation to determine if the

ASC is identifying problems, evaluating those problems, and taking steps to

ensure a safe patient environment.

• Observe the environment where care and treatment are provided.

• Review policy and procedures to see what steps the facility takes to curtail

unwanted visitors and/or contaminated materials.

• Interview staff and patients to see if either have any concerns about the safety of

the setting.