FEATURE
Institute Good Practices All lasers—borrowed, rented, leased or operated by a mobile laser pro- vider—must have a laser safety pro- gram in place as well as an appointed and trained MLSO, Dennis says. “If the laser is being used in your institution, you are accountable for the safety of the staff, physicians and patients. Even if it is just used once a month or is not owned by the ASC . . . you need to be educated on your safety prac- tices and responsible for laser safety.” A critical component of a laser
safety program is designating an indi- vidual to serve as the MLSO, Pol- lard says. “ASCs must provide that individual with the resources needed to develop, implement and main- tain a federally and state-compliant laser safety program. This individual
If the laser is being used in your institution, you are accountable for the safety of the staff, physicians and patients. Even if it is just used once a month or is not owned by the ASC . . .”
—Vangie Dennis, RN, Spivey Station Surgery Center
should have basic laser physics, bio- physics and safety knowledge, and have access to the tools and resources to assist the facility in developing a high functioning and safe program based on evidence-based practices and competencies for all levels of staff involvement.” The MLSO should oversee train- ing of the ASC’s surgical team on the use of lasers, she notes. “A key to laser safety in the ASC is to ensure that all staff members as well as phy-
sicians have proper training in laser safety commensurate to their level of responsibility in this area.” The MLSO must also be aware of the safety challenges presented during different laser procedures, Pollard notes. “Eye laser applica- tions are considered a direct and specific application of laser energy. The proper use of laser safety eye- wear designed for the specific wave- length and potential output of the laser device is recommended when
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