What is Patient Care Related Electrical Equipment (PCREE)?
Patient care related electrical equipment, commonly abbreviated to PCREE, is frequently mentioned in medical device regulation and in healthcare facilities. An example is skilled nursing facilities (SNF) that need this service. To an individual hoping to work at one of these establishments, the term may sound vague or incredibly broad.
PCREE is heavily regulated by state and federal governments. This is because due to this equipment’s electrical nature, it can be a fire hazard and thus must be regulated under relevant codes. Typically, this means that PCREE must be frequently maintained, calibrated, and repaired to prevent injury and ensure quality healthcare. Below, we list the most relevant information about PCREE devices and what maintenance they require.
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What Devices are Included Under PCREE?
PCREE is casts an incredibly broad net. This term can refer from anything to a power strip connecting an electric hospital bed to an outlet, to electric lifts and robotic surgery monitors. To an individual who has never heard the term before, it may sound vague, as many medical devices today are electric due to rapid innovation.
However, PCREE needs to cover a large variety of devices and heavy duty electric strips due to the fact that the malfunctioning of these devices can be catastrophic for a medical facility. Most PCREE regulation surrounds the electrical strips that power medical devices, seeing as an accidental trip over one or disconnecting one from a power source can lead to a loss of life or a fire. Therefore, these devices are frequently inspected and updated.
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What can PCREE do?
Despite the risks, this equipment has been monumental in making healthcare more comfortable for patients and healthcare providers.
Firstly, PCREE allows physicians to reach more patients, as these devices can automate many of the things that physicians had to do manually before. Secondly, PCREE can make patients more comfortable. Electric hospital beds can allow a patient to adjust their position to be more comfortable, or even charge their phone or laptop to stay entertained during a long hospital stay.
PCREE powers some of the most commonly used medical devices today; MRI machines, ultrasounds, and microsurgery would not be possible without PCREE.
How is PCREE Regulated?
PCREE is regulated under state and federal law. These regulations apply to manufacturers, maintenance providers, and physicians regularly using the device.
This is important for a few reasons. As previously mentioned, the nature of these devices mean that they are fire risks. However, PCREE is vital when it comes to life support; if they are turned off accidentally or not maintained enough, PCREE failure could lead to the loss of life. The FDA typically regulates PCREE, however state health inspectors, electricians, and certified technicians also play a role in performing inspections.
What Happens in an Inspection?
Inspections cover all cord connected medical devices. These are commonly done in healthcare facilities. Different states require different forms of inspection and regulation, however they generally follow the same format.
Electrical safety tests happen bi-annually. The ground wires are inspected to see if they comply with NFPAA99 regulations. After electrical equipment passes an inspection, they are ‘stickered’ with bright colored tags to signify that they have been both inspected and that they are safe. Many of these inspections are grouped in with preventative maintenance (PM) appointments for medical devices and equipment calibration. These appointments ensure that all medical devices in a facility are up to quality standards set by manufacturers and the FDA.
Medical Equipment Repair network can connect your facility with a licensed technician who can provide all of these services.
How Often Should PCREE be Maintained?
PCREE should be maintained as frequently as possible. Typically, inspections are conducted when PCREE is installed. Medical facilities are also required to keep detailed records on how often PCREE is maintained and repaired. Furthermore, PCREE must be tested before it is installed. The requirements for having PCREE in a facility are stringent across the board.
Medical Equipment Repair Network can connect your facility with a wide net of certified technicians who can perform preventative maintenance and repair on PCREE. Due to the strict regulations surrounding PCREE, ensuring that your devices are maintained, calibrated, and working properly is crucial to providing quality healthcare.