Crash Carts in Office-based Surgery Centers | Florida’s Requirements

Office Surgery Registration Process for Crash Carts

The safety and well-being of patients undergoing surgical procedures are of paramount
importance. To ensure that medical offices in Florida are adequately equipped to respond to
emergencies, the state has established stringent requirements for crash carts as part of the Office
Surgery Registration Process. In this blog, we will explore the key requirements for crash carts in office surgery settings in Florida, as outlined by the Florida Department of Health.

Florida’s Requirements for Crash Carts in Office Surgery Centers

The Florida Department of Health has outlined specific requirements for crash carts in office
surgery settings to ensure a prompt and effective response to medical emergencies. Rules
64B8-9.009(2) and 64B8-9009(4)(b)3 of the Florida Administrative Code outline the
requirements for crash carts. Among other things, the Department of Health requires:

• Numerous specified drugs
• Suction devices, endotracheal tubes, laryngoscopes, etc.
• Positive pressure ventilation device (e.g. Ambu) plus oxygen supply
• Double tourniquet for the Bier block procedure
• Monitors for blood pressure/EKG/Oxygen saturation
• Emergency intubation equipment
• Adequate operating room lighting
• Emergency power source able to produce adequate power to run required equipment for a
• minimum of two (2) hours
• Appropriate sterilization equipment
• IV solution and IV equipment
• A Benzodiazepine must be stocked, but not on the crash cart

Additionally, office staff must be qualified by licensure and training to administer all of the
medications required on the crash cart and must be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
The full and current crash cart must be present in the office and immediately accessible for the
staff.

Office Surgery Registration Inspections by the Department of Health

The Department of Health can initiate inspections for many reasons and purposes. The
The department inspects all facilities as part of the application process for an Office Surgery
Registration. Also, the Department will conduct annual inspections of a facility if not accredited
by a national accrediting organization or another accrediting organization approved by the
Florida Board of Medicine. The Department may also initiate an inspection upon receipt of a
complaint. During inspection, crash carts are examined for compliance with the rules noted
above. If the Department finds that the crash cart is deficient in any way, they may issue an
administrative complaint.

Read More: Learn more about the Accreditation and Inspection Challenges for OSRs.

In certain circumstances, the Department may issue an administrative complaint against both the
Office Surgery Registration and against a physician’s license. For example, if the
deficiency involves a surgeon, the surgeon can get an administrative complaint as well. The
The department can issue an administrative complaint for failing an inspection against both the
Office Surgery Registration license and the Designated Physicians license.

Wondering how you can maintain your office in compliance with DOH
standards? Concerned about the possibility of an inspection? We are here to
help.

Crash carts are a critical component of patient safety in office surgery settings in Florida. By
adhering to the state’s specific requirements and maintaining a well-organized and properly
stocked crash cart, medical professionals can enhance their ability to respond effectively to life–
threatening emergencies during surgical procedures. Compliance with these requirements is not
only a regulatory obligation but also a fundamental commitment to patient safety and quality
health care.

Our team has assisted current and prospective owners and physicians of office surgery facilities
in obtaining and maintaining their registration with the DOH. We are experienced in working
directly with DOH’s requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and meeting the
timelines required. We will guide you through the process and provide
comprehensive advice along the way.