Hospitals' preparation for surge of patients helps with new Joint Commission standards.

To meet new surge capacity accreditation standards, hospitals are looking at their current plans to handle a sudden influx of patients and determining what works well for infectious patients. Consider putting two stretchers in a room. Determine how to establish room numbers for the second patient's record; you can start numbering after the last room number on the floor. Also, the second patient will need a call light, room divider, and meal trays. Consider twice-a-day bed meetings routinely for clinical directors. Notify physicians when you need beds, and have case managers to assist with transportation. Bring a phlebotomist to the ED, and have physicians help plan care at triage.