According to the CDC, healthcare-associated infections impact 722,000 patients annually in the United States, costing healthcare facilities more than $28 billion. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that 20% of healthcare-associated infections are caused by water.
Taking a proactive approach to water management in your healthcare facility can help you protect patients, keep them healthy, and prevent unnecessary costs. A water management program will also ensure that your facility complies with regulatory agencies.
Below we’ll explore the importance of water management programs and the regulations, standards, and guidelines your healthcare facility should know when developing and implementing one.
The importance of a water management program
Many waterborne pathogens can make people ill and cause infections. Legionella is chief among them, which is why healthcare facilities need a specific Legionella prevention plan, in addition to managing other waterborne pathogens.
Some of the dangers of waterborne pathogens, especially to seniors and immunocompromised individuals, include:
- The development of pneumonia and other serious illnesses, like Legionnaires’ Disease
- Symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, and cramps
- The development of neurological conditions
Building water systems can create perfect conditions for Legionella and other waterborne pathogens to multiply and cause disease. Some factors in building water systems that contribute to Legionella and pathogen growth include water stagnation, lack of disinfectant, water temperatures, and sediment.
A well-developed and operated water management program will have controls to prevent Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in your building’s water system. This protects your patients and keeps your facility compliant with the various water management regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Water management regulations, standards, and guidelines for healthcare
The differences between regulations, standards, and guidelines are subtle, but it’s helpful to understand what they are.
- Regulations and standards are requirements you must follow and are legally binding.
- Guidelines are industry best practices that you should follow but are not required.
Regulations and standards for healthcare
Regulations and standards are requirements healthcare facilities must follow. If a waterborne pathogen outbreak occurs at your facility, you can be held liable.
Water management regulations and standards for healthcare include:
- Veterans’ Health Administrative (VHA) Directive 1061. This directive requires all VA hospitals to conduct Legionella testing on potable and non-potable water systems. If Legionella is detected, the hospital must follow specific corrective actions.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Memo S&C 17-30. This regulation requires accredited healthcare facilities to have water management policies and procedures to reduce the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in building water systems.
- The Joint Commission Water Management Standard EC.02.05.02. This standard applies to the Hospital, Critical Access Hospital, and Nursing Care Center Accreditation Programs. It includes regulations for preventing Legionella by developing and implementing an ongoing water management program.
- Some state and local governments, like New York State and New York City, have water management regulations that healthcare facilities must follow. Visit your state or local government’s website to see what, if any, regulations may apply to you.
- ASHRAE Standard 188-2021. This standard establishes minimum risk management requirements for building water systems. The scope also covers the water management process for constructing new and existing buildings.
- ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Standard 12080. This standard sets minimum criteria for the training and certification of staff on your facility’s water management and safety team.
- ASHRAE Standard 514. This unreleased standard focuses on minimizing risk and injury associated with building water systems. The standard is currently in development. No release date has been announced.
Guidelines for healthcare
Guidelines are industry best practices and are beneficial to follow. Water management guidelines for healthcare include:
- ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020. This guideline provides information on controlling Legionella in building water systems. The scope applies to new and existing centralized potable and non-potable building water systems.
- CDC Water Management Program Toolkit. This helpful toolkit walks you through developing and implementing a water management program to prevent Legionella.
- CDC Legionella Control Toolkit. This toolkit provides guidance on controlling Legionella in building water systems.
- The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Engineering Methodologies. This resource offers guidance for engineering and designing potable water systems and options for supplemental disinfection.
Implementing a water management program
There are many regulations, standards, and guidelines that healthcare facilities should be familiar with when developing and implementing a water management program. Navigating and understanding all of them can be challenging.
Partnering with an experienced water management company like LiquiTech can simplify the process of developing and implementing a compliant water management program. Learn more about LiquiTech’s water management programs.
