2011: AMENDMENT OF THE ILLINOIS HOSPITAL LICENSING ACT, “Safe patient handling policy”

(210 ILCS 85/6.25), Public Act 097-0122, effective 1-1-2012

-- Overall policy: Patient safety, dignity, choicePatients know best what works for themFewer injuries to patients as well as hospital workersMaintenance of patient dignity and comfort

-- Requirement of safe lifting teamExpertise in both manual and mechanical lifting and movingPatient and caregiver injury preventionEnhanced staff productivityHigh patient and staff satisfaction

-- A policy of advising patients of a range of transfer and lift options, including adjustable equipment, mechanical lifts, and a safe lifting team

-- The right of a competent patient/guardian to choose among the range of transfer and lift options

-- Documentation of an assessment and plan for the patient’s lifting and movement

upon admission and as status changes;including choices of patient/guardian among range of transfer and lift options.

-- Training of nurses and other direct patient care providers on

safe lifting policies and techniques and current lifting equipment Best practice: annual refresher training for all health care workers.

      

 -- Incorporation of such safe lifting procedures, techniques, and equipment as are consistent with applicable federal law. WATCH FOR:

The DOJ/HHS guidelines on access for people with mobility disabilities;U.S. Access Board’s standards for accessible medical diagnostic equipment.

2012: AMENDMENT OF THE ILLINOIS NURSING HOME CARE ACT,

“Safe resident handling policy” (210 ILCS 45/3-206.05), Public Act 97-0866, effective 1-1-

2013

Same terms as hospital bill but with more detail inDefinition of adjustable equipmentTraining of safe lifting teams

Adjustable equipment:Includes, but is not limited to,

WheelchairsCommode chairs, shower benches and gurneys

Weight scalesAdjustable beds

Call buttons and bed controlsPhysical therapy platform tables, exercise machines

Training of safe lifting teams

EquipmentTypesOperationSelectionSafe useLocationCondition

Manual lifting and movingRisk assessmentAdvising residentsDocumenting

Some data on benefits of safe lifting teams

Federal AHRQ (Agency for Health Care Research and Quality), recent findings from Miami Valley Hospital (Dayton, OH) safe lifting team program, http://www.innovations.ahrq.gov/content.aspx?id=1813 :

Staff back and shoulder injuries reduced by 70% and no injuries to trained lifting teamMore than 2000 hours of nursing staff time freed up annuallyHigh nurse, family, and patient satisfaction