scope:

General

This Standard provides guidance on safe operating practices, design, and IPAC in LTCHs while incorporating a person-centred approach. The Standard takes into consideration what is required during both normal, day-to-day circumstances and catastrophic events (e.g., outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, fires, earthquakes, loss of power). The Standard considers factors such as homes of different sizes, resident acuity and demographics, and new builds vs. existing LTCHs.

Exclusions

This Standard does not cover administrative topics such as pricing, insurance, or reimbursement. Content related to medical practice and professional obligations is not included in the Standard. The Standard does not address topics related to resident care and services (e.g., bathing frequency, feeding and assistive measures, quality indicators for care, dementia, age-friendly care).

Terminology

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.