Inside AAMI

Abstract

A new manual from AAMI seeks to put readers on the right path for implementing IEC 80001, the sweeping new standard on the application of risk management for IT networks that incorporate medical devices.“The manual is intended to take the fear out of implementing this standard inside the hospital regardless of the hospital size,” says Yadin David, director of Biomedical Engineering Consultants in Houston, TX, one of three coauthors of the manual.The manual includes an overview of the standard, how to start a pilot project, and how to identify who in an organization is responsible for compliance.What is the future of The Joint Commission, and what does it mean for your healthcare facility? Joint Commission (JC) executive Ann Scott Blouin will provide the answers at the 2011 AAMI Annual Conference & Expo.Blouin, executive vice president of the accreditation and certification operations division, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on June 27, as part of the three-day conference in San Antonio, TX. Her address is expected to focus on future plans for the accreditation agency and what it will undertake to get there.The JC accredits more than 18,000 healthcare organizations, making them eligible for reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid. Blouin began her career as an obstetrics staff nurse and worked her way up to program administrator, vice president for nursing, and executive vice president for operations at two Chicago-area hospitals and an academic medical center.Blouin won't be the only JC speaker at the conference: George Mills, senior engineer for The Joint Commission's Standards Interpretation Group, will once again lead his popular session.Mills will speak about JC activities which impact the management of medical equipment. He will also hold a question-and-answer session.For more information, visit www.aami.org/ac.