In the late 2010s, the long-term care industry began to take action that would reflect the growing importance of incorporating robust infection prevention practices. Facilities were required to develop...
Ask the care expert … about infection prevention
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Apr 10, 2023
I am struggling as a new infection preventionist. Can you recommend ways I can learn more about my job and be sure our IP program protects both residents and staff?
Three years in, pandemic jabs keep coming
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Mar 10, 2023
Ahead of Saturday’s third anniversary of the pandemic’s official declaration, one infection preventionist who spent much of COVID’s first year on frontlines in multiple states reflected on the challenges...
A day in the life of an infection preventionist
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
Jan 30, 2023
When I write or speak about our long-term care industry, I often do just that – refer to “the industry.” Whether it be challenges “the industry” faces, solutions “the industry” needs, or...
Tap water is not sterile for use in medical devices; many people unaware, CDC finds
Jan 13, 2023
Large numbers of Americans mistakenly believe that tap water is safe for use in home medical devices such as CPAP machines, a CDC survey reveals.
Strange but true: Facts about norovirus
By
Michael Wilson
Nov 17, 2022
The winter months are right around the corner, meaning administrators in long-term and senior care facilities must start preparing for norovirus. Yes, norovirus is seasonal. It’s just one of...
Watchdog says not enough nursing homes including emerging infectious diseases in emergency plans
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 01, 2022
A federal watchdog agency has called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to update regulations and “make clear” that nursing homes must include emerging infectious diseases as a risk in...
Infection preventionists join ranks of the burned-out, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 15, 2022
The reduced well-being of these workers impacts healthcare quality and safety in a time when there is a 25% IP job vacancy rate.
CMS releases updated Phase 3 guidance
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 29, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday released updated guidance for nursing home surveyors as part of the Phase 2 and 3 Requirements of Participation.
Dementia care providers struggled with infection control during pandemic, multistate study reveals
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 08, 2022
Assisted living operators found serious challenges in implementing infection prevention and control practices for residents with dementia during the pandemic, according to a new study across seven states.