Nursing Homes: Use Updated Infection Control Worksheet

The November 2019 State Survey Agency Directors Memorandum includes infection control information and basic practices to improve resident safety and quality in nursing homes. Read the memo and log in to the Quality, Safety & Education Portal, which replaced the Integrated Surveyor Training website, to find these resources:

• Updated Nursing Home Infection Control Worksheet: Self-assessment tool featuring requirements and best practices to improve infection control programs, including new questions about facility water management to reduce the risks to residents of Legionella infections
• Technical resources, especially when new organisms appear or there is an outbreak in your area
• Antibiotic Stewardship Program for Nursing Home Providers: Training and resources on requirements to improve appropriate antibiotic usage

Note: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) encourages use of alcohol-based handrub, instead of soap and water, in all clinical situations except when hands are visibly soiled (e.g., blood, body fluids) or after caring for a resident with known or suspected C. difficile or norovirus infection during an outbreak; in these circumstances, use soap and water.