In this issue: HIBCC, NAM, CTA, NFPA, and IAPMO
The ANSI Federation and standardization community are stepping up with guidance, resources, and initiatives to support public health, safety, and infrastructure during the COVID-19 outbreak. ANSI is monitoring, sharing, and promoting appropriate news to highlight these efforts. Suggestions for news items may be submitted to [email protected]. All submissions are published at ANSI's discretion.
HIBCC's HIN System Supporting Healthcare Supplier Efforts
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve, the Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC), an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) member and accredited standards developer, has announced it is focused on playing its part to ensure that necessary medical devices and pharmaceuticals will move through the supply chain unhampered.
HIBCC's Health Industry Number (HIN) is used by pharmaceutical and medical device suppliers to facilitate the necessary electronic paperwork that triggers the delivery to health care providers of these critical products. The HIN database includes more than 1.7 million ship-to locations in North America, including hospitals, pharmacies, and nursing homes, as well as outpatient facilities, private practices, government healthcare facilities, and more. The HIN System was created by healthcare industry leaders as a unique, standardized location identifier to support the transaction requirements of trading partners in the supply chain.
To learn more about how HIBCC and how the HIN System supports the healthcare industry visit www.hibcc.org.
The National Association of Manufacturers Helps Mobilize Manufacturing Response to COVID-19
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), has released the results of a survey studying how the coronavirus is affecting manufacturers. The survey revealed that 53.1% of manufacturers are anticipating a change in their operations in the coming months; 35.5% indicated they are facing supply chain disruptions. The findings informed the NAM's "COVID-19 Policy Action Plan Recommendations," which identifies areas where legislative and administrative action could help combat COVID-19 and future health emergencies.
The NAM is currently conducting another survey among manufacturers to mobilize a response to COVID-19 and assist federal efforts to identify companies that can produce and increase production of vital supplies and component parts for personal protective equipment and critical medical equipment.
For more information on the NAM's efforts, visit www.nam.org/coronavirus.
Consumer Technology Association Establishes Member Resources related to Coronavirus
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, is monitoring the evolving COVID-19 outbreak and sharing resources. CTA is also in the process of surveying its members and CES exhibitors about the outbreak's impact on business.
Learn more at CTA's website.
IAPMO Creates COVID-19 Resources Website to Support Plumbing and Mechanical Industry
To support the plumbing and mechanical industry, IAPMO has launched a COVID-19 resources website featuring several resources including:
Understanding Coronavirus Exposure for Plumbing Professionals
Federal Government Response: Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19
The website will be updated with new resources and information as they become available.
NFPA Launches Dedicated COVID-19 Resources Page
As previously reported, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), has issued several blog posts related to COVID-19 and how NFPA 1300, NFPA 1600, and NFPA 99, among other standards are playing an important role in the COVID-19 public health emergency. NFPA has now launched a dedicated COVID-19 resources page to share information to help mitigate impacts and protect communities.
NFPA offers resources that emergency managers, businesses, schools, and health care providers can use to help prepare for, develop, or update continuity plans; and protect those who may be vulnerable or exposed to this infectious disease. Free access to NFPA's codes and standards are available to the public.
For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/coronavirus.