The objective is to minimize the dependence on the electronic surveillance access by design interventions. This should naturally enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of electronic systems installed for residual needs.

 

The importance of role of security in the health care field has continued to increase over the years. Security challenges continue to grow with growth in complexities in the external environment as threats in the form of terrorism etc continue to grow globally. In light of various reports of accidents as well as incidents involving  visitors/relatives of patients going berserk within the premises, it has become all the more important that the health care facility is insulated from such acts and continues to function even when surrounding security scenario is not conducive.

 

NFPA 99, 2012 edition, ‘Healthcare Facility Code’ has identified the following key areas that need to be included in the security management plan:

• Proactive risk assessment

• How to address security issues

• Reporting of security incidents

• Identification procedures (Staff, patients and visitors)

• Controlled access around sensitive areas

• Vehicular access to urgent care

• Security procedures to prevent and handle infant abduction.

• Procedures to handle VIPs

• Ongoing effectiveness of the plan

• Orientation and training plans

 

The foundation of the plan must be based on a strong and diligent Security Vulnerability Assessment or SVA. The SVA shall evaluate the potential security risks posed by the physical and operational environment of the health care facility to all individuals in the facility. While conducting SVA, each department or area within the facility should be evaluated for such security risks as

• Access to area

• Security features of area

• Hours of operation

• Risk or potential risk to the organization

• Control processes available

Besides above mentioned factors, type of population expected to visit too shall be taken into account because some section of people may be more vulnerable to risks for example infants or more dangerous like prisoners or patients of drug abuse etc.

 

It is required that a dedicated responsibility be assigned to an individual to take care of the following aspects emerging out of SVA in accordance with NFPA 99 intent:

(1)        Provide identification for patients, staff, and other people entering the faculty

(2)        Control access in and out of security-sensitive areas.

(3)        Define and implement procedures follows:

            (a)        Security incident

            (b)        Hostage situation

            (c)        Bomb (explosive device or threat)

            (d)        Criminal Threat

            (e)        Labor action

            (g)        Workplace violence

            (h)        Restraining order

            (i)         Prevention of, and response to infant or pediatric abduction

            (j)         Situations involving VIPs or the media

            (k)        Maintenance of access to emergency areas

            (l)         Civil disturbance

            (m)      Forensic patients

            (n)        Patient elopement

            (o)        Homeland Security advisory system(threat level changes)

            (p)        Suspicious powder or substance

            (q)        Use of force policy

            (r)        Security staffing augmentation

 

(4)        Provide security at alternate care sites or vacated facilities

(5)        Control vehicular traffic on the facilities property

(6)        Protect the facilities assets, including property and equipment

(7)        Provide policy for interaction with law enforcement agencies

(8)        Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and standards regarding security management             operations

(9)        Educate and train the facility security force to address the following:

            (a)        Costumer service

            (b)        Use of physical restraints

            (c)        Use of force

            (d)        Response criteria

            (e)        Fire watch procedures

            (f)        Lockdown Procedures

            (g)        Emergency notification procedures

            (h)        Emergency communication procedures