Tamper Resistant Electrical Outlets

As we write this blog post, there are no FAQ’s posted as new. But, as we have mentioned before, the “NEW” marker attached to a FAQ disappears even faster than your paycheck. During the past month we did note one important new FAQ that flashed by. It’s in the National Patient Safety Goal chapter under Ligatures and suicide risk reduction. The topic they address is the need for tamper resistant electrical outlets. This includes arc fault and ground fault interruption outlets.

Tamper Resistant Electrical Outlets

The definition of tamper resistant is a plug that inserts into both holes simultaneously. This design somewhat reduces the risk of children injuring themselves by inserting a paper clip in the outlet. The arc fault feature provides extra safety should an adult figure out how to manipulate around the tamper resistant feature.

In fact, you may have missed this new FAQ. If so, go to the Joint Commission’s website and download a copy. Then, share the information with behavioral health and facilities leadership. Do you already have these types of outlets in all behavioral health settings? Because the previous requirement was tamper resistant screws on faceplates, we suspect many do not.

Review your behavioral health areas. You may need to add this to your documented risk assessment. If you don’t already have tamper resistant, arc resistant, ground fault interrupter outlets, work to replace them.

Patton Healthcare Consulting

Patton Healthcare Consulting provides Joint Commission Compliance Assistance and a full range of pre-survey and post survey services including assessing ligature safety.

Contact our office at 888-742-4621, via email or through our website contact page to schedule a discussion of your needs and learn more about our compliance and readiness expertise. Patton Healthcare Consulting provides Joint Commission Compliance Assistance and a full range of pre-survey and post survey services including patient suicide prevention.