Avoid construction nightmares by taking charge of the process and setting rules.

A construction crew in your ED guarantees some level of disruption, but you can keep your department functioning well by hiring contractors familiar with health care settings and establishing ground rules up front. The ED manager must be firm about patient safety and unnecessary disruptions. You can reasonably expect contractors and their crews to behave appropriately in your ED. Don't stop construction work unless necessary, or you may incur costly penalties.