By:Deanna Scatena, RN, BSN, Program Director Deanna Scatena RN, BSN has extensive patient care experience that encompasses post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), critical care, and cardiac and thoracic nursing. Since joining ACHC, she has led the hospital programs by...
By: ACHC Posted: September 11, 2025In the post-9/11 era, the term "Security Theater" emerged to describe over-the-top yet ineffective airport security procedures designed more to make travelers feel safe than to actually increase safety. Today, healthcare...
By: Richard Parker, MBA, CHFM, Associate Director and Amy Antonacci, MSN, RN, Senior Standards Interpretation Specialist Posted: August 22, 2025Workplace violence in healthcare settings is a growing concern, with increasing reports of patients and visitors causing...
Posted: July 22, 2025Amy Antonacci, MSN, RN, is a Senior Standards Interpretation Specialist for ACHC Hospital Accreditation (Acute Care and Critical Access). She also serves as an ACHC Surveyor. Amy has been a nurse for 35 years, and her passion is patient safety. We...
Performance Goals and Indicators for the Hospital’s Physical Environment By: Richard Parker, MBA, CHFM Associate Director Posted: June 4, 2025ACHC Standards are structured to align with a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement framework. Within each chapter,...
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Hospital Physical Environment and Life Safety Standards By: Richard Parker, MBA, CHFM, Associate Director Posted: November 18, 2024From a facilities perspective, protecting patient and staff safety are the hospital’s biggest priority. To...
Got Safety Plans? Waterborne Pathogens Can Spread InfectionPosted: January 9, 2024As crucial as water is to the cleanliness of a hospital and the well-being of all who enter, this essential element still can harbor pathogens that may pose a threat to patient safety...
Blog How Office Visit Notes Support Sleep CareChanges and Guidance on Your Facility Demographic Report A comprehensive and essential document, the Facility Demographic Report (FDR) is completed and submitted with each application for Accreditation Commission for...
Preparing for the End of the COVID-19 PHEPosted: February, 2, 2023On January 30, 2023, the White House announced that the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. As part of the emergency preparedness cycle, returning to normal...
Patient Comfort and Safety Can Be Found in the AirPosted: November 28, 2022Outstanding patient care extends beyond medicines and procedures. Environmental aspects affect comfort and safety as well. It is important for facilities managers at acute care hospitals to...