05.04 Searching Patient and Patient Areas for Contraband

The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) announces the release of a significant update to industry guideline 05.04 “Searching Patient and Patient Areas for Contraband” which includes additional information related to contraband confiscation and disposal processes within the healthcare environment. This guideline was originally developed by the IAHSS Council on Guidelines.

Dean R. Sobcoviak, Council on Guidelines member, is excited about the additional information which has been included in this new update. “As violence continues to increase in and around our healthcare communities this guideline is very timely as it will assist security professionals in developing appropriate policies and procedures to create an effective plan relative to searching, confiscating, safely storing, and disposing of confiscated contraband from patients and patient areas.”  

The guideline opens with the statement that “Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) should establish procedures to reduce the likelihood of contraband entering the healthcare setting and associated processes for its handling and disposal. Searches of patients, patient belongings, and patient areas should be conducted as needed.”

The IAHSS Council on Guidelines is comprised of volunteer IAHSS members who are seasoned healthcare security professionals and leaders. Each year the Council on Guidelines develops new industry guidelines and reviews existing guidelines on a three-year cycle. All IAHSS guidelines are available electronically to IAHSS members via the IAHSS website. Hardcopies of the guidelines booklet are available for sale in the IAHSS online store.