IPC - Infection Control COVID-19 Focused Surveys – Is Your Facility Prepared?

A global pandemic from a virus that predominantly affects the elderly and those with significant comorbidities, especially those living in congregate settings, is arguably the most significant thing to ever happen to the nursing home industry. As facilities work diligently to keep residents safe, they continue to struggle to obtain necessary supplies and navigate the continually changing guidance issued by the CDC and CMS regarding COVID-19 prevention and care. CMS has also greatly enhanced oversight on the prevention and management of COVID-19 through Infection Control (IC) focused surveys, which began June 1, 2020. This session will focus on the main IC issues identified during the surveys and what facilities can do to prepare for the surveys and prevent deficiencies. It will also address the enhanced enforcement implemented for IC surveys and how this may have a lasting effect on the facility’s star rating even after this crisis has ended.