There’s a new AAMI EQ56 2013 Edition that’s just been released. The new revision, titled “Recommended practice for a medical equipment management program,” defines the minimum components of this type of management program. It covers structure, documentation requirements, staffing, and appropriate resource allocation. The new 2013 Edition replaces the previous 1999 reaffirmed in 2008 Edition, which is now obsolete.
The recommended practice ANSI/AAMI EQ56:2013 can be used for a wide variety of certification programs. These may be performed by accrediting agencies like the Joint Commission, DNV Healthcare, and the American Osteopathic Association. Or they may be used by licensing agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as state departments of health and other licensing bodies.
The 45-page document contains not only the 9 sections of technical material, but also 4 informative Annexes that the user should find particularly helpful. They include computerized maintenance management systems, benchmarking, sample statistical models for inventory accuracy and a medical equipment management standards crosswalk. This crosswalk is a comparison of requirements from several key authorities (including AAMI) reviewed category by category.
This second edition of AAMI EQ56 also includes new guidance on
leadership and staffing and equipment acquisition. Users should remember that the document defines the minimum components of an equipment management program. Many existing programs exceed these standards by very wide margins.
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The AAMI documents remain one of our most popular standards sets. They are an essential part of many of our customers’ compliance documentation. If you have similar needs, we look forward to working with you to help you meet your conformance requirements.
