X.B. Fatigue Mitigation

Programs must educate all faculty members and House Officers to recognize the signs of fatigue and sleep deprivation. Faculty and House Officers must receive education in alertness and fatigue mitigation. House Officers are encouraged to use fatigue mitigation processes to manage the potential negative effects of fatigue on patient care and learning. In the event a House Officer may be unable to perform patient care duties due to fatigue, illness, or similar issues the Program must have a clearly defined back up plan in place to ensure continuity of patient care. A House Officer too fatigued to return home safely has the option of using the already available call rooms to sleep or obtain safe transportation via taxi.