PCHS24/01: Requirements for reprocessing reusable medical devices in primary and community healthcare

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released Advisory PCHS24/01, outlining updated requirements for the reprocessing of reusable medical devices (RMDs) under the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare (NSQPCH) Standards.

Key Highlights:

1. Adoption of AS 5369:2023:
   The advisory aligns with the updated AS 5369:2023 standard, replacing AS/NZS 4815:2006 and AS/NZS 4187:2014, to ensure contemporary and consistent practices for RMD reprocessing.
2. Gap analysis required by 30 June 2025:
   Healthcare practices must conduct a gap analysis comparing their current processes against AS 5369:2023 to confirm compliance with national or international standards.
3. Risk management and reporting:
   Risks identified through the gap analysis must be addressed with appropriate mitigation strategies. Ongoing monitoring and reporting to relevant clinical governance structures are essential to maintain safety and quality standards.

Read more:
For more details, visit the full advisory on the Commission’s website.