2025 GAHFM Fall Technical Education Conference
Nov. 6-7, Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville
Complimentary registration for current GAHFM members
Register online
Agenda
Thursday, Nov. 6
9:30 a.m. Registration
10-11 a.m. Building Blocks of Effective Medical Gas Operations & Maintenance
Cary Darden, President and Richard Ashlock, Vice President, EMGS, Inc.
This session explains the essential components required to develop and maintain an effective medical gas Operations & Maintenance (O&M) system. Attendees will gain practical, actionable insights into inventory management, scheduling, process optimization, and ensuring technical competence. This module breaks down the “what,” “when,” “how,” and “who” of successful O&M execution, equipping participants with tools to elevate patient safety and system reliability.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the fundamental elements of a robust medical gas O&M system.
- Develop and implement effective inventory and preventive maintenance schedules.
- Optimize processes for routine inspections and maintenance activities.
- Evaluate qualifications to ensure technical competence of maintenance personnel.
- Apply learned strategies to enhance compliance and operational excellence in medical gas management.
11-12:30 p.m. Medical Gas Safety & Reliability: The Role of the Responsible Facility Authority
Cary Darden, President and Richard Ashlock, Vice President, EMGS, Inc.
This engaging workshop session shares best practices and essential, actionable strategies for building and sustaining a safe and reliable high-performing medical gas program. Participants will gain proven tools to enhance technical competence, elevate safety standards, and streamline processes for optimal system performance.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish the foundational responsibilities designated to the responsible facility authority.
- Assess and validate personnel qualifications to ensure technical proficiency and operational safety.
- Formulate emergency response and documentation procedures to strengthen reliability and system continuity.
- Discuss permit to work best practices and develop work plan.
- Optimize inspection and maintenance workflows for increased efficiency and compliance.
- Identify and discuss the requirement to receive, evaluate and formally accept all test documentation (installer, inspector, verifier, functional testing by 6040s)
12:30-1 p.m. Lunch Break
1-3:30 p.m. Medical Gas Strategies for Excellence and Safety: Permit to Work
Cary Darden, President and Richard Ashlock, Vice President, EMGS, Inc.
This interactive workshop session delivers essential knowledge and practical strategies for implementing an effective Permit to Work system in medical gas operations. Attendees will learn how to uphold quality standards, ensure continuous and safe gas supply, and streamline communication and documentation processes for enhanced compliance and reliability.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish critical quality requirements, including USP monographs and permanent testing records for medical gases.
- Evaluate quantity and continuity of supply and discuss methods for alternative supply and shutdowns.
- Establish clear communication flows and proper pre-work documentation to support safe operations.
- Define and validate personnel qualifications and testing requirements to maintain operational safety.
- Formulate comprehensive post-work documentation practices to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance.
3:30-4 p.m. Networking Break
4-5:30 p.m. Experts Insights Panel: Medical Gas Operations in Healthcare Facilities
Cary Darden, President and Richard Ashlock, Vice President, EMGS, Inc.
An engaging panel discussion featuring experienced healthcare facility owners, authorities having jurisdiction, and leading industry experts. This session spotlights real-world challenges and effective solutions for medical gas operations and maintenance in healthcare environments. Panelists will share practical strategies, regulatory perspectives, and frontline experiences to help attendees optimize system safety, regulatory compliance, and facility reliability.
Learning Objectives
- Learn and discuss key regulatory requirements and effective compliance strategies for medical gas systems in healthcare facilities.
- Explore best practices for ensuring system continuity and maintaining safe, reliable gas supply during routine operations and emergencies.
- Gain practical insights from diverse stakeholders on collaborative approaches to system upgrades, shutdowns, and post-work verification.
5:30-6:30 p.m. Networking Reception
Friday, Nov. 7
7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet
8:30-10 a.m. Fundamentals of Healthcare Ventilation: Standards, Operations, and Best Practices
Michael Canales, HFL Program Director & Professor, Owensboro Community & Technical College
This session provides an interactive overview of healthcare ventilation design, highlighting the essential elements of ASHRAE 170 standards with an emphasis on space and filtration requirements. Participants will gain practical insights into air management strategies, operational considerations, and lessons learned to optimize safety and performance in healthcare environments.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the key provisions of ASHRAE 170 Table 7.1 (Spaces) and 6.4 (Filtration) for healthcare ventilation design.
- Identify and explain air exchange, dilution, and pressure relationship fundamentals in healthcare settings.
- Evaluate approaches for measuring and calculating air exchanges, including differential air concepts.
- Recognize the requirements and best practices for Airborne Infection Isolation (AII) and Protective Environment (PE) rooms.
- Apply operational principles and maintenance lessons to improve ventilation system effectiveness in healthcare facilities.
10-10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:30-noon Real-World Applications in Healthcare Ventilation: Case Studies and Collaborative Solutions
Michael Canales, HFL Program Director & Professor, Owensboro Community & Technical College
This companion session delves into practical case studies and operational decision-making related to healthcare ventilation systems. Through interactive discussions, participants will analyze real-world scenarios, share experiences, and collaboratively discuss strategies to address common challenges in their hospital environments. The session fosters peer learning and critical thinking to support effective ventilation solutions in diverse healthcare settings.
Learning Objectives
- Review real-life case studies to identify challenges and solutions in healthcare ventilation operations.
- Discuss the nuances and complexities of operational decisions in ventilation system management.
- Engage in collaborative activities to develop practical approaches to ventilation challenges in hospital settings.
- Exchange best practices and lessons learned with peers to enhance application of standards and improve patient safety.
Noon Closing Remarks and Adjourn