Control in the operating room

A long-standing survey practice of The Joint Commission is to request a copy of the operating room schedule on the day the surveyor(s) are to visit the OR and then select specific practitioner files to compare their privileges to the procedures they are performing on that given day. This may also include practitioners who are performing first assist duties. Hospitals understand the importance of ongoing monitoring of practitioner privileges in the OR to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and patient safety. While hospital ORs readily monitor practitioner's privileges to ensure the appropriateness of procedures and to protect patient safety, at times the lines may be blurred when a new surgical technique, piece of equipment, or technology is introduced.

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