Life Safety Enterprises, Inc.

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Code Updates

“Your Compliance and Certification Specialists”

Building Maintenance Programs (BMP)

The Joint Commission has proposed a change in its survey scoring as it pertains to Building Maintenance Programs (BMP).  This proposed change would effectively eliminate the scoring advantage for an Accredited Organization. 

Current Code:

The current scoring as applied to facility surveys: a BMP item (e.g. exit sign, corridor door, etc.) found in non-compliance would be scored at a discount if the organization utilized a BMP.  If the organization does not have or does not implement a BMP, this item would be scored as a demerit to the overall score of the Environment of Care (EOC).

Proposed Change:

When this proposed change goes into effect, estimated beginning 2009, this discount for a BMP item would be eliminated.

 

So what is the advantage of maintaining a BMP if there is no scoring advantage?  Without an effective BMP, an organization risks these items becoming non-compliant through use and neglect.  The Joint Commission surveyor will still inspect for all of the required elements of the EC.  If these former BMP items are not maintained, your organization runs the risk of being allotted the full demerit for having a non-compliant item.  This is where the importance of continuing to maintain all items of the EOC, including the BMP items.

Having a BMP in place at your facility will become more important once this change takes place.  Will your facility be ready for the change?