CMS Issues Updated Guidance on IPC Programs in Nursing Homes

6/29/22 — CMS issued updates to guidance on minimum health and safety standards that long-term care (LTC) facilities must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. CMS memorandum QSP-22-19-NH provides summaries of revisions to surveyor guidance for Phases 2 and 3 of the LTC requirements, which will become effective October 24, 2022.

Requirements for Infection Preventionists in LTC facilities are among the significant changes and clarifications. Updates include guidance on IP primary professional training, qualifications, IP hours of work, and specialized training in IPC.

CMS training for surveyors and nursing home stakeholders can be found in the CMS Quality, Safety, and Education Portal (QSEP).

The full Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities can be found in State Operations Manual, Appendix PP. IPC guidance may be found in the following sections:

• Infection Control — F880, Sec. 483.80 (begins p. 736)
• Infection Prevention and Control Program (Sec. 483.80(a)) and Antibiotic Stewardship Program (Sec. 483.80(a)(3)) — F881 (begins p. 769)
• Infection Preventionist — F882, Sec. 483.80(b) (begins p. 774).