The Joint Commission expanded the requirements for water management beginning January 1, 2022. The changes require hospitals to implement a comprehensive management program to assure water safety. The new standards require appointment of an individual or group to develop, manage and maintain a comprehensive water management program.

The elements of the program include:

A basic diagram, such as a 1-line diagram or flow chart, of all water sources, treatment systems, processing steps, and end-use points,
A water risk management plan based on the diagram. The plan must focus on identifying locations where potentially hazardous conditions could exist. The standards cite the CDC Water Infection Control Risk Assessment for Healthcare Settings as an example of how to conduct the assessment.
A plan to address the identified risks concentrating on areas of buildings or portions of systems where water may be stagnant for periods of time.
An assessment of patient populations to identify individuals who are at risk due treatment or condition that results in them being immunocompromised.
Developing monitoring protocols based on the assessment, treatment options and other factors.
Evidence of ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of water treatment and management activities.
Evidence of interventions when out of compliance conditions are identified, The intervention must include evidence of resolution.
Documentation that new water systems and additions to or modifications of existing systems are assessed to determine if additional risks are created. Conversely, the changes could potentially improve the design and function of an existing system in a manner that eliminates a risk.

Ode Keil Consulting has experience developing and managing water quality plans for several organizations. If you would like more information, please contact Ode Keil at ecxprt@aol.com or 847-208-1173.