Speaker- Deirdre Elder, University of Colorado Hospital

Laser safety is an important, but often overlooked issue in medical settings. The primary reason for developing an effective laser safety program is to provide a safe environment for patients and staff. Other compelling reasons include; preventing large fines under OSHA, preventing or minimizing malpractice litigation, and, The Joint Commission review for compliance with ANSI standards. Unfortunately, in many medical facilities, the laser safety program is assigned to an individual with competing priorities and narrow focus. This may work in smaller facilities but in large medical centers a more extensive laser safety program is necessary. At the University of Colorado Hospital, the laser safety program is being reinvented. The process taken and the lessons learned will be shared.