VHA's Safe Patient Handling program has had a national directive since 2010, which was updated in 2018, Directive 1611 "Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program." The national Safe Patient Handling and Mobility website links to other references.

Each facility has responsibilities under this Directive:

• to maintain a local SPHM policy,
• to maintain a SPHM coordinator,
• to ensure that SPHM technology is provided and maintained,
• and to make sure construction and remodeling projects plan in SPHM equipment and space.

The SPHM Facility Coordinator conducts unit-based ergonomic assessments to determine what is needed in each patient care area, and their input is vital for redesign projects, as well as that of direct patient care staff.