• Today we’re focusing on F880, F881, F882, F883, and F868 on infection control. 
• Look for additional updates each week through October.

• standard and transmission-based precautions;
• droplet precautions;
• contact precautions;
• cleaning and disinfection; and
• a water management program.

• Facility must monitor closely the antibiotics being prescribed to residents.
• Feedback should also be provided to prescribing practitioners.

• A specially trained infection preventionist (IP) must work at least part time in the facility.

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is no longer routinely recommended.

• The IP must be a member of the QAA committee.
• The IP must report to the committee on a regular basis.

• Engage an inter-professional team including direct care staff when reviewing your IPCP to best evaluate strengths and identify areas requiring improvement.
• Include the medical director and consultant pharmacist when implementing antibiotic stewardship program.
• Ensure a plan for revising IPCP as national standards change.
• Use the CDC Core Elements for Antibiotic Stewardship in Nursing Homes to support development of the program.
• Perform regular hand hygiene observations and report through QAPI as appropriate.

• Refer to Appendix PP-State Operations Manual.
• Register for training on these changes on the CMS Quality, Safety & Education Portal (QSEP) – Driving Healthcare Quality webpage.
• Access Action Brief: Infection Prevention & Control.
• Use this tool to define and assess the competentcies of your infection preventionist.
• Sign up your IP and yourself to take the Infection Prevention Control Officer (IPCO) Version 2 course.
• Register for the Water Management Training course.