Integration of a laser safety program in an expanding health network by a designated medical laser safety department

Abstract

Laser safety guidelines and procedures are constantly advancing. This makes it crucial to appoint a dedicated official who can understand and establish methods to adjust to these improvements. As a solution to network growth and procedural and technological advancements, we have developed a medical laser safety department. This department is currently made up of three Medical Laser Safety Officers tasked with numerous responsibilities such as: investigating new technologies, setting and enforcing regulations, educating colleagues, and overseeing designated acting laser safety officers. We have observed that having a dedicated medical laser department has been a valuable asset with the introduction of new laser technologies and hospitals within the Network. This department provides physician support in surgery as well as coordinating new potential services involving lasers. The acquisition of new hospitals presents additional challenges with standardization and misconceptions with medical laser protocol. Standardization is accomplished through the introduction of existing policies and procedures at new facilities. Acting laser safety officers are appointed to aid in the enforcement of the laser program. The medical laser safety department educates colleagues to eliminate medical laser fallacies. This paper will discuss how a designated medical laser safety department integrates a laser safety program at newly acquired facilities.Laser safety guidelines and procedures are constantly advancing. This makes it crucial to appoint a dedicated official who can understand and establish methods to adjust to these improvements. As a solution to network growth and procedural and technological advancements, we have developed a medical laser safety department. This department is currently made up of three Medical Laser Safety Officers tasked with numerous responsibilities such as: investigating new technologies, setting and enforcing regulations, educating colleagues, and overseeing designated acting laser safety officers. We have observed that having a dedicated medical laser department has been a valuable asset with the introduction of new laser technologies and hospitals within the Network. This department provides physician support in surgery as well as coordinating new potential services involving lasers. The acquisition of new hospitals presents additional challenges with standardization and misconceptions with medical laser protocol. S...