A secure healthcare environment is a requirement within the Environment of Care standards set forth by which organization?

• A. OSHA
• B. ISO
• C. CMS
• D. The Joint Commission

Answer: (D)

The Environment of Care standards are issued by The Joint Commission. They define how a healthcare facility must maintain a secure, safe physical environment for patients, staff, and visitors, including controlling access to restricted areas and ensuring safe building operations and equipment management. OSHA focuses on general workplace safety rules, ISO provides broad international management standards, and CMS administers Medicare/Medicaid participation and surveys but does not define the Environment of Care standards. The Joint Commission is the organization that sets the specific EOC requirements for healthcare facilities.