The Joint Commission Issues New Water Management Requirements for 2022

A new Joint Commission standard, effective as of January 1, changes water management criteria for hospitals, critical access hospitals, and nursing care centers. Requirements will help healthcare facilities protect immunocompromised patients and reduce the risk of waterborne pathogens.

As your facility adopts this new compliance standard, it’s a good time to review why healthcare facility water management matters, what the Joint Commission has to do with it, and how you can create a safer facility in 2022.

Why does water management matter?

Not everyone thinks of “water management” when they think of health and hospitals, but it’s one of the most critical technologies to get right, and it can be fatal if you get it wrong.

Illnesses related to contaminated water are dangerous and often deadly, particularly for immunocompromised people. The CDC estimates nearly 10,000 people were hospitalized in 2018 with Legionnaires’ disease — a severe form of pneumonia caused by exposure to the Legionella bacteria — which can grow in stagnant water. A milder reaction to the bacteria causes a flu-like illness called Pontiac fever.

According to the CDC, about one in 10 people who get sick with Legionnaires’ disease will die. Worse, the death rate is closer to one of four people who get sick with Legionnaires’ while staying in a healthcare facility.

There’s no vaccine for Legionnaires’ disease, and the primary method of prevention is proper water management.

Water management touches almost every part of a healthcare facility, from treatment procedures to heating and cooling, washing, bathing, and simple hydration. Uninterrupted access to safe, clean water is non-negotiable, both for your facility’s bottom line and for the life and health of your patients.

How is the Joint Commission involved in water management?

The Joint Commission is the oldest accrediting body for healthcare programs and facilities in the United States. It accredits over 22,000 healthcare organizations and programs, and 70% – 80% of its standards directly address patient safety. Most states accept Joint Commission accreditation as a standard for Medicare and Medicaid licensing.

Receiving accreditation is a massive step for building and maintaining a strong reputation for healthcare organizations. Compliance helps you become the best you can be, and it communicates your commitment to the highest standards of health and safety for your patients.

In addition to regulations regarding medical procedures and staffing, the Joint Commission also sets standards for water management to ensure the safety of patients and staff in healthcare facilities.

What are the new Joint Commission requirements?

This year, the Joint Commission is increasing its regulations for water management. The Commission published the changes in July 2021, but they officially went into effect on January 1, 2022.

The updated requirements follow new research on Legionnaire’s disease and other waterborne pathogens. They apply specifically to hospitals, critical access hospitals, and nursing care centers. The changes are uniform across these facility types and affect individuals or teams addressing Environment of Care:

• Original guidance simply required the facility to “minimize pathogenic biological agents in cooling towers, domestic hot- and cold-water systems, and other aerosolizing water systems.”

• New guidance states more specifically that each facility “has a water management program that addresses Legionella and other waterborne pathogens.”

The Commission outlines the new compliance requirement in detail. In summary:

• An individual or team must be responsible for the management of this program.

• They should develop maps of the entire water system and create a risk management plan and protocols.

• They should take corrective action where needed and document all monitoring and correction activities.

• They should review the program annually and after any changes to the program or system.

This detailed approach will help healthcare facilities ensure their water is an asset and not a risk.

How can you be prepared for 2022?

To remain compliant with these new guidelines, you’ll need the best in water management techniques and technology for your facility. Using technology, like Aquanomix’s Symphony™ platform, to monitor and track your system’s water data in real-time, allows for a simplified, proactive approach to complex water system management and maintenance tasks.

Water management is essential for the health and safety of your employees, patients, and visitors. The Joint Commission’s latest guidelines for water management will help your healthcare facility meet the highest standards for health and safety.

Be prepared for the new year and new regulatory standards with aquanomix.com.