Our featured standard this quarter is FS.2, which covers the physical features of your facility and is required for all accredited sites. Keeping in mind that your patients have varied levels of mobility, it’s especially important that the physical structure of your building and the grounds be accommodating of all patients. Let’s start by reviewing the standard:

FS.2, Guide, pg. 60 – The interior and exterior of your buildings and grounds must be appropriate to the nature of the services provided and to the patient population served. In compliance with applicable laws, your facility must be designed to accommodate the needs of the physically challenged, including but not limited to:

1. Appropriate exterior handicap access; including the path from the parking lot to the facility
2. Ramps and/or elevators that comply with federal, state and local requirements for handicap access
3. Interior areas for patient use including restrooms that are wheelchair accessible as well as designed and equipped to meet the needs of disabled persons
4. A patient waiting/reception area, as applicable
5. Compliance with state and local health codes and occupancy classifications for your location
6. Ensuring there is adequate space to manage the business

Please keep in mind that while FS.2 does not cover all handicap requirements, it is still your responsibility to be aware and compliant with your state and local health codes and requirements.

Perspective, Perspective!

It’s a good idea to regularly perform a walk-through or evaluation of your facility in order to ensure you are accommodating all of your patients and every possible scenario. Make an effort to consider things step by step from their point of view. Start your walk-through outside at the parking lot; take a notepad or your phone with you and ask yourself questions like:

• Does our facility have handicap access both inside and outside?
• Do we have reserved handicap spaces available in our parking lot?
• Are there ramps that are easily accessible from the parking lot into the building?
• Is the bathroom handicap accessible?
• Does our lobby area have sufficient space for patients with physical challenges to navigate (e.g. wheelchairs)?
• In the event of an emergency, can all of our patients exit the facility easily and efficiently?

You may be surprised at some of the things you discover or situations you never thought to consider! By reviewing this standard from the patients’ perspective, not only are you making an effort to provide everyone with the best care possible but you’re also ensuring that you remain compliant year-round.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding compliance requirements, please contact Kyle Sins at ksins@abcop.org or (703)836-7114 ext. 253.