The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) announces the release of a new industry guideline titled “Collaborating with Law Enforcement”. This is a timely guideline as it was published just prior to a widely covered news event regarding a University of Utah Hospital nurse who was arrested for refusing to draw blood from an unconscious patient. The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) reached out to IAHSS, and both organizations are supportive of working together to ensure a situation like this does not happen again.

Healthcare Facilities are responsible for providing a safe and therapeutic environment while respecting the rights and privacy of those entrusted to their care. IAHSS guidelines are intended to assist healthcare administrators in fulfilling their obligation to provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment, while carrying out the mission of their organizations.

The IAHSS Council on Guidelines is comprised of volunteer IAHSS members who are seasoned healthcare security professionals and leaders. Each year the Council on Guidelines develops new industry guidelines and reviews existing guidelines on a three-year cycle.  All IAHSS guidelines are available electronically to IAHSS members via the IAHSS website.  Hardcopies of the guidelines booklet are published annually and available for sale in the IAHSS online store.  The new guideline, “Collaborating with Law Enforcement”, is available at www.iahss.org/guidelines.