Bulletin #23
It’s a Hit!
With more than 2,000 downloads since our podcast was launched in January, it’s official: Between the Lines with FGI is a hit! If you haven’t listened in yet, you’re missing great conversations about all things FGI, from developing a top-notch functional program to collaborating with infection preventionists to designing better behavioral and mental health patient care areas. Coming up, hosts Bridget McDougall and John Williams will dive deep into Part 1 of the Guidelines, discuss residential health care facilities, and sound off on the importance of acoustics in health care design.
Sign up for email notifications of new episodes, listen to missed episodes, or share an episode idea here. If you’d like to learn about becoming a sponsor of Between the Lines with FGI, reach out to us at [email protected]. And don’t forget to rate and review the podcast each time you listen. From all of us at FGI, thank you for supporting this new venture. Listen in on the second and fourth Fridays to continue the conversation.
Coming Soon: Public Comment Period
The 2026 Health Guidelines Revision Committee (HGRC) is hard at work finalizing approved revisions to the 2022 Guidelines. FGI will publish a draft of the 2026 documents and open the public comment period on July 1, 2024. More details are coming soon—we’ll want to hear from you!
Errata Update
On January 29, 2024, an updated errata sheet was published for the 2022 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals. It clarifies Note 2 in Table 2.1-2 (Locations for Nurse Call Devices in Hospitals) by deleting the requirement for signals “at all duty stations.” Visible signals are required in the corridor at the patient’s door and at the nurse/control station only.
Remember to periodically check the Errata and Addenda page on the FGI website under the Guidelines dropdown so you don’t miss corrections to errors found in the documents. Printable errata sheets are helpful for those using the print version of the Guidelines. Users of the digital version of the Guidelines can be assured the digital view contains each correction documented in our published errata sheets. As well, a tracked version showing the change can be found by clicking on the “Errata” tab on any page displaying this feature.
Interpretation Issued Regarding Facilities for Processing Ultrasound Probes
FGI recently received a question about the 2018 Outpatient Guidelines regarding ultrasound probe decontamination in Section 2.1-3.5.8.19 (Facilities for processing ultrasound probes). The writer asked if a soiled workroom is required when a self-contained unit (such as a Trophon) is used for ultrasound probe decontamination or does the “when necessary” language in 2.1-3.5.8.19 (2)(b) mean it’s up to the health care organization to decide whether a soiled workroom is provided. Specifically, can a soiled holding room be provided instead of a soiled workroom?
The interpretation committee considered this question and agreed that where ultrasound probes are processed in a separate room or area using a self-contained, automated high-level disinfection unit specifically designed for decontamination of ultrasound probes (such as a Trophon), the requirement in 2.1-3.5.8.19 (2)(b) applies: “Access to a soiled workroom with an instrument-washing sink shall be provided in the same clinical area.” A soiled workroom is required. This interpretation also applies to Section 2.1-3.5.8.19 (2)(b) in the 2022 Outpatient Guidelines as well as Section 2.2-3.5.8.19 (2)(b) in the 2018 and 2022 Hospital Guidelines.
This interpretation has been added to the formal interpretations listed on FGI’s website. In addition, the interpretation will be visible when viewing these sections of the digital version of the 2018 and 2022 Outpatient and Hospital Guidelines.
New Price for 2018 Guidelines Paperbacks
The 2018 Guidelines paperbacks have been reduced from $225 to $150. Visit the FGI shop page to order your books today!
