Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) Practice

The impact of not following CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) guidelines for door installations primarily relates to potential safety risks for patients and staff. CMS guidelines are established to ensure that healthcare facilities maintain a high standard of safety that protects both patients and staff members. This includes specifications regarding the types of doors used, their mechanisms, and their placement, which are crucial for preventing unauthorized access, ensuring proper egress during emergencies, and maintaining infection control protocols.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines could lead to inadequate emergency exits, compromising evacuation in case of a fire or other emergencies. Additionally, improperly installed doors may fail to contain hazardous situations, allowing for the spread of infections or environmental hazards. Therefore, the primary risk is centered around safety, as non-compliance could endanger lives and the overall safety of the healthcare environment.

Other options do not directly address the fundamental purpose of CMS guidelines. Although increased maintenance costs may occur if improper installations lead to premature wear and tear, and aesthetic appeal is important, it does not supersede the primary objective of patient and staff safety. Likewise, lower insurance premiums are generally not guaranteed and depend on a multitude of factors unrelated to CMS compliance.