Ambulatory Surgery Pre-Operative Checklist

Comprehensive pre-operative verification for ambulatory/outpatient surgery including patient identification, consent, NPO status, and safety checks.

  • Industry: Healthcare
  • Frequency: Every surgical case
  • Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Role: Preop Nurse
  • Total Items: 51
  • Compliance: CMS ASC CoP 42 CFR 416, Joint Commission Universal Protocol, AORN Guidelines

Patient Identification

Verify patient identity

  • Two patient identifiers verified?
  • Patient wristband applied and accurate?
  • Allergy band applied (if applicable)?

Consent Verification

Surgical consent

  • Informed consent signed?
  • Consent matches scheduled procedure?
  • Consent properly witnessed?
  • Anesthesia consent signed?

Pre-Operative Assessment

Patient readiness

  • NPO status verified?
  • Vital signs within acceptable limits?
  • H&P current (within 30 days)?
  • Required labs reviewed?
  • Home medications reviewed?

Surgical Site Marking

Universal Protocol compliance

  • Surgical site marked by surgeon?
  • Patient involved in marking process?
  • Marking will be visible after prep/drape?

Patient Preparation

Physical preparation

  • Patient in appropriate attire?
  • Jewelry and valuables secured?
  • Dentures/prosthetics noted?
  • IV access established?
  • Pre-op medications given?

Safety Verification

Final safety checks

  • Fall risk assessed?
  • Responsible adult escort confirmed?
  • Transportation home arranged?
  • Emergency contact number verified?

Pre-Assessment Information

Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification

  • Assessor Name / Credentials
  • Assessment Date
  • Department / Unit
  • Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
  • Previous assessment findings reviewed?

Infection Prevention & Control

Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards

  • Hand hygiene compliance observed?
  • Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
  • Isolation precautions properly implemented?
  • Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
  • High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?

Patient Safety & Identification

Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures

  • Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
  • Fall risk assessment completed?
  • Call light within patient reach?
  • Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?

Medication Safety & Management

Verify medication handling and administration practices

  • Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
  • Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
  • No expired medications in stock?
  • High-alert medications properly labeled?

Environment of Care & Safety

Verify facility environment meets safety standards

  • Fire exits clear and unobstructed?
  • Emergency equipment functional and accessible?
  • Spill kits available and stocked?
  • Electrical cords and outlets in safe condition?

Documentation & Regulatory Compliance

Complete assessment documentation and ensure regulatory compliance

  • All findings documented with evidence?
  • Corrective actions assigned with timeline?
  • Staff education provided on identified issues?
  • Assessor Signature
  • Additional Observations

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Why Use This Ambulatory Surgery Pre-Operative Checklist?

This ambulatory surgery pre-operative checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for preop nurse professionals, this checklist covers 51 critical inspection points across 12 sections. Recommended frequency: every surgical case.

Ensures compliance with CMS ASC CoP 42 CFR 416, Joint Commission Universal Protocol, AORN Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ambulatory Surgery Pre-Operative Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 51 inspection items across 12 sections: Patient Identification, Consent Verification, Pre-Operative Assessment, Surgical Site Marking, Patient Preparation, Safety Verification, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management, Environment of Care & Safety, Documentation & Regulatory Compliance. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed every surgical case. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Ambulatory Surgery Pre-Operative Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Preop Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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