On July 15, 2020, the CDC announced a change to the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for HealthCare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Eye protection is an important part of PPE in preventing unnecessary exposure. As with any point of entry into the body (i.e., nose, mouth, broken skin, etc.) the eyes are considered high risk …
On November 28, 2019, CMS implemented the role “Infection preventionist” for long term care facilities as defined in F882. This term is used for the person(s) designated by the facility to be responsible for the infection prevention and control program and requires specific, individual, detailed training, qualifications, and hourly requirements as described below: The Infection Preventionist (IP) must have primary …
During this time of fear, anxiety and pain, we are also faced with making decisions that could impact the future of assisted living. We continue to actively focus on caring for our residents who are at high risk for infection while also protecting our staff and providing a safe work environment for them. Most assisted living centers are not prepared …
Although reporting requirements have not been announced or finalized, the CDC’s NHSN (National Healthcare Safety Network) is working with CMS to have long-term care facilities begin reporting COVID-19 cases in their system on a scheduled basis. LTCFs eligible to report into the new COVID-19 Module include skilled nursing facilities/nursing homes, long-term care for the developmentally disabled, and assisted living facilities. …
