Infection preventionists (IP) should be aware that CMS has updated guidance on minimum health and safety standards for long-term care (LTC) facilities, including information on “IP primary professional training, qualifications, IP hours of work, and specialized training” in infection prevention and control, says the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

The Quality, Safety and Oversight Group memo, QSO-22-19-NH, outlines the updates, which are part of a White House effort announced earlier this year to improve safety and quality of care in nursing homes.

The APIC alert also notes that CMS has online training for surveyors and nursing home stakeholders on CMS’ Quality, Safety, and Education Portal (QSEP).

Among the revisions the CMS memo highlights as significant are changes to guidance on infection control, instances of abuse and neglect and the admission, transfer and discharge of nursing home patients on an emergency transfer to a hospital.

The memo has several attachments, including the revised Appendix PP to the State Operations Manual. Appendix PP offers interpretive guidelines for surveyors at long-term care facilities.

Find the memo and the attachments here.