ASHE Healthcare Industry Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) in healthcare?
- To evaluate staff performance and productivity
- To document the physical condition of building systems and identify deferred maintenance (Correct answer)
- To assess patient satisfaction with the physical environment
- To determine compliance with infection control policies
Correct answer: To document the physical condition of building systems and identify deferred maintenance
An FCA systematically evaluates the condition of existing building infrastructure to prioritize capital renewal investments and manage deferred maintenance backlogs.
Question 2: Which accreditation standard requires healthcare facilities to manage risks associated with utility systems through an Equipment Management Plan?
- OSHA 1910.119
- The Joint Commission EC.02.05.01 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 99 Chapter 4
- ADA Title III
Correct answer: The Joint Commission EC.02.05.01
TJC standard EC.02.05.01 requires organizations to manage risks associated with utility systems, including maintaining an inventory and inspection/testing schedule.
Question 3: In a healthcare facility, what does 'ICRA' stand for?
- Infection Control Risk Assessment (Correct answer)
- Internal Compliance Review Audit
- Interim Construction Review Agreement
- Integrated Clinical Risk Analysis
Correct answer: Infection Control Risk Assessment
An Infection Control Risk Assessment is performed before construction or renovation to evaluate and mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections during the project.
Question 4: Which healthcare reimbursement model pays a fixed amount per patient based on diagnosis, regardless of actual services rendered?
- Fee-for-service
- Capitation
- Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) (Correct answer)
- Per diem payment
Correct answer: Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)
The DRG system, used by Medicare, pays hospitals a predetermined amount based on the patient's diagnosis, incentivizing efficiency in care delivery.
Question 5: What is the role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in healthcare facility construction?
- Providing architectural design services for the project
- Interpreting and enforcing applicable codes and standards for the project (Correct answer)
- Managing the construction contract and project schedule
- Supplying medical equipment and technology systems
Correct answer: Interpreting and enforcing applicable codes and standards for the project
The AHJ is the organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing requirements of a code, or their designated representative.
Question 6: Which organization publishes the 'Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals' used widely in healthcare facility planning?
- American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE)
- Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) (Correct answer)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Correct answer: Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI)
The Facility Guidelines Institute publishes the FGI Guidelines, which are adopted by most states as the minimum standard for healthcare facility design and construction.
Question 7: What does 'HIPAA' primarily regulate in the context of healthcare engineering and facilities management?
- Physical plant safety and fire protection requirements
- The privacy and security of protected health information (PHI) (Correct answer)
- Reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid services
- Licensing requirements for healthcare engineers
Correct answer: The privacy and security of protected health information (PHI)
HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules govern how covered entities must protect patients' protected health information, affecting IT systems and physical security design.
ASHE Healthcare Industry Fundamentals 3
What is the primary purpose of a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) in healthcare?