06.02 Home Health Provider (Community Provider Services)

The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) announces the release of a significant update to industry guideline, 06.02 Home Health Provider (Community Provider Services) which includes information to assist healthcare organizations develop a security plan to protect staff traveling into the community to provide patient care. 

The guideline opens with the statement that “Healthcare Facilities (HCFs) providing home or community-based health services should develop a security plan to protect staff traveling into the community in the performance of their job duties. 

Dean R. Sobcoviak, CPP, CHPA, Chief Protective Services Officer for Sutter Health and Council on Guidelines member, is excited about this updated guideline for several reasons.  “Home health nurses providing care in the community face a range of security risks that can compromise their safety and effectiveness.  These risks include violence and assault, theft or robbery, lack of backup support, environmental hazards, transportation risks, and limited access to resources.  Addressing these challenges requires implementing comprehensive safety protocols, providing adequate training and resources, and establishing effective communication support systems.”  

By prioritizing the safety and security of home health nurses and community service providers, healthcare organizations can enhance the quality of care provided to patients in the community while mitigating potential risks to those providing patient care services. 

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. 

About IAHSS
The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) is the only organization dedicated to professionals managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare facilities. IAHSS is a professional association with more than 2,000 members who are healthcare security, law enforcement, safety, and emergency management leaders.  IAHSS has educated and served members and the profession for fifty years by offering exclusive resources and benefits, including industry and design guidelines, local and international educational and networking opportunities, and the celebrated bi-annual Journal of Healthcare Protection Management.  IAHSS has certified thousands of dedicated professionals who keep healthcare facilities, patients, staff, and visitors safe. IAHSS offers Basic, Advanced, and Supervisor certifications, a Safety Certificate Program, and maintains the prestigious Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) certification, the standard for the healthcare security leader dedicated to the profession.