CMS updates C. difficile infection control guidance
Dec 16, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently modified its infection control guidance concerning C. difficile. The update corrects certain information from a Nov. 30 update.
H1N1 prevention: beyond masks and handwash
By
John Nappi Jr.
Nov 24, 2009
If a case of H1N1 ends up in your long-term care facility, there are actions you can take to prevent the flu from spreading throughout the building.
Workers, get your flu shots
By
Liza Berger
Sep 01, 2009
This week, an infection control group issued a new, more urgent message about employee vaccinations: Facilities should require flu vaccinations for workers with direct contact with patients. And employees...
New CMS letter offers revised infection control guidance for F-441
Aug 19, 2009
Information about implementing an infection prevention program, recognizing and containing outbreaks, and proper handling of linens are all part of revised guidance for F-tag 441.
**UPDATED** New CMS guidance consolidates five infection control F-tags into one
Jul 23, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released final changes regarding certain guidance governing infection control in long-term care facilities. The formal effective date for the revised...
WHO issues guidelines on hand hygiene for healthcare workers
May 08, 2009
The World Health Organization has released a new report, “Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care,” which target administrators, public health officials and healthcare workers.
Therapy dogs can transfer MRSA and C. difficile among nursing home residents, researchers say
May 08, 2009
A recent Canadian study finds that methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and C. difficile can be transferred between long-term care residents and therapy dogs, opening a new possible avenue...
CDC releases guidance for long-term care on swine flu infection
May 01, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released interim guidance for healthcare facilities, including long-term care, for care of residents with confirmed or suspected swine flu, also known...
Sebelius named HHS secretary, faces swine flu challenge
Apr 29, 2009
The Senate late Tuesday confirmed Kathleen Sebelius as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The approval comes as the country grapples with a growing swine flu threat.
Long-term care groups watching, waiting as government responds to swine flu crisis
Apr 28, 2009
Swine flu has not, so far, affected residents or employees of nursing homes. Still, the long-term care community is staying abreast of the latest developments and information regarding the potentially...