Maximize Efficiencies With ASC Training

Dave Clifton

Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) must meet rigorous regulatory and accreditation standards while working in one of healthcare’s most competitive environments. ASC training can keep all employees informed on the latest best practices and help them maintain rigorous accreditation standards so the organization can combat thin revenue margins.

Every role in a healthcare organization must complete different training based on the challenges they may encounter. For example, to meet federal regulations, clinical staff must complete 10 required training courses, some annually and others only once or every two years. ASC management must take many of the same courses but with a few differences.

In this article, we’ll explore the requirements for ASC training and what regulatory and accreditation course topics are required and recommended by role.

ASC Training Is Complex

ASC staff are not only tasked with safely and efficiently getting patients in and out of surgery but must also ensure those same patients are satisfied with their care. Happy patients are key to maintaining revenue. Add training requirements to that mix, and ASC employees don’t have much time to make ends meet. Developing and delivering role-specific training that meets the needs of all staff members is a logistical and resource-intensive challenge.

Download the Ultimate List of Training Requirements for Ambulatory Surgery Centers to see a full list of federal and accreditation training requirements for ASC staff broken down by role, with the applicable standard, CMS violation category, and frequency. 

ASC Compliance Training Requirements

There isn’t a universal list of training requirements for all ASC employees. Below are courses common to many roles in ASC facilities that meet federal requirements for orientation or annual continuing education. Staff should review the requirements for their specific state to remain in compliance.

Required Training For All ASC Staff

  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness
  • Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) Fire Safety, Fire Extinguisher Types, and Evacuating Patients
  • OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
  • OSHA N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator
  • OSHA Needlestick Safety
  • OSHA Hazardous Substance Handling
  • Basic & Advanced Life Support

Highly Recommended Training

  • Preventing Slips, Trips, Falls, and Work Clutter
  • Active Shooter Training
  • Surgical Smoke Safety Guidelines
  • Reducing Exposure to Anesthetic Gas
  • Transmission-Based Precautions
  • Hand Hygiene and Infection Control in the OR
  • Minor Sensitive Services
  • Unlawful Harassment for Employees (or Managers)

Recommended Training

  • Cybersecurity & HIPAA
  • Conscious Sedation
  • Malignant Hyperthermia
  • Preventing Adverse Drug Events
  • General Safety Orientation
  • Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, HIV (AIDS) Awareness and Prevention
  • Latex Allergies and Glove Selection
  • High-Level Disinfection
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Understanding and Working with DEI Initiatives
  • Medical Error Prevention

Please note: This is not a comprehensive list and should not be considered legal or medical advice.

Simplify Delivery of ASC Training

Compliance training is foundational in maintaining high standards of care, safety, and legal compliance in ambulatory surgery centers. However, meeting ASC requirements is not as easy as it sounds!

In-person training and paper sign-in sheets are time-consuming and error-prone. Cobbling together online courses from many sources gets the job done, but it’s difficult for surveyors to track. A learning management system that isn’t built for healthcare may not have the very specific courses required for your facility. 

What you need is an online learning management system built for healthcare. Here’s what to look for:

  • Healthcare-specific courses that are consistently updated
  • Vendor knowledge about healthcare regulations and policy-making
  • Courses that are designed to meet multiple standards to reduce the load
  • Customizable reporting that can be set up for your regulatory or accreditation requirements
  • Automated course completion reminders
  • Ability to create or upload facility-specific courses

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Simplify compliance training with MedTrainer Learning

MedTrainer offers an all-in-one compliance solution that combines learning, compliance documentation, and credentialing. Experts will help your organization ensure that ASC training is complete and compliant. Learn more about MedTrainer.