LESSON 2
SERVICES OF CENTRAL MATERIEL SERVICES
Section I. SERVICES AND POLICIES
2-1.
TYPES OF SERVICES PROVIDED
a. Processing of Supplies. The specific supplies that are processed by CMS
for the using units are determined locally, based upon the policies of the hospital, the
specialties of the hospital, and the extent to which disposables are used. All items to be
issued by CMS should be listed by type, size, and unit of issue, with a copy of the list
provided to each using unit. Generally, these items include supplies that are used in the
treatment and care of patients, with the exception of pharmaceutical and biological
products, delicate instruments which are cleaned by the personnel who use them, and
certain supplies which are used in large quantities and which do not require processing.
b. Processing of Equipment. The special portable equipment processed by
CMS ordinarily includes those items which are used by various units but which are not
required frequently enough to be maintained on the unit as standard equipment.
Examples of portable equipment are: suction apparatus, overhead frame, humidifier,
inhaler, defibrillator, foot cradle, and turning frame.
2-2.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
a. Hospital Policy. A written hospital policy is essential for effective CMS
services. The policy should include statements concerning:
(1)
Responsibilities of CMS and using units.
(2)
Services to be provided.
(3)
Hours during which regular and emergency services will be provided.
(4)
Any other pertinent requirements as determined by local policy.
b. Nursing Service Policy. Stock levels are maintained in using units. A stock
level is the maximum quantity of material to be maintained on hand to sustain current
operations. Each using unit establishes 24-hour stock levels for items obtained from
CMS. The kinds of items required depend upon the types of patient treatment and care.
Stock levels depend upon the bed capacity or the average patient load and the type of
delivery system used in CMS, including delivery schedules and provisions made for
special and emergency requests. These stock levels should be reviewed periodically
and modified as needed. An excessive number of special requests may indicate
inadequate stock levels; a continual return of unused items may indicate excessive
stock levels.
MD0937
2-2
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