Effective January 1, the ABC Patient Care Standards have undergone minor revisions to enhance understanding and eliminate redundancy. Changes include minor language changes and the combining of some standards into a single cohesive standard.

For example, AD.5.1 and AD.5.2 address both OIG list review and documentation. These two standards – the first to check the OIG list and the second to document that review – have been combined into one standard containing both requirements.

In addition, HR.6 and HR.6.1 have been updated to reflect the updated Scope of Practice privileging changes effective January 1. This change requires that you update your Policy and Procedure manual regarding privileging to accommodate this change.

Standard PC.2.1 was deleted. The standard required that those providing diabetic footwear maintain a fitting stock. Feedback from practice owners indicates that the current patient population didn’t really utilize this service, mostly due to increased efficiency in the fabrication and provision of diabetic footwear. If you find that having a fitting stock benefits your patients, we encourage you to continue this practice but it is no longer a requirement in our standards.

The revised Standards are available on the ABC website and take effect immediately.