The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service, or CMS, is responsible for two programs that most older adults rely upon for their health care.
CMS Proposed LTCF Rule
Published September 14, 2015
The Alliance for Aging Research commented on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule changes regarding Infection Prevention and Control Programs (IPCP) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The Alliance recommended:
- A full implementation within two years of the final rule
- CMS mandate the use of the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) be implemented for surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections in LTCFs
- CMS work directly with the CDC to outline specific programs that LTCFs should follow to fulfill mandates
- CMS mandate the CDC’s CORE Elements for Antibiotic Stewardship in LTCFs
- Contact information for an Infection Prevention and Control Officer (IPCO) be made publicly available for family members of LTCF patients
- CMS should mandate the use of influenza vaccinations among direct-contact health care workers in LTCFs and set targets for vaccination rates