CMS Releases Final Minimum Staffing Standards for long-term care
On April 22, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released long-awaited minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. Read the announcement. APIC remains concerned about the lack of a required full-time infection preventionist in nursing homes.
CDC Issues Health Advisory About Risks from Counterfeit or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory related to the risks of counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin injections. They are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local partners to investigate clusters of 22 people in 11 U.S. states who … Continue reading “CDC Issues Health Advisory About Risks from Counterfeit or Mishandled Botulinum Toxin Injections”
CMS Makes SNF VBP Program Early Look Performance Reports Available
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has made fiscal year 2026 Early Look Performance Score Reports for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program available to download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). For additional information, a fact sheet, and user guide, visit the website.
WHO Issues Report on Terminology for Pathogens that Transmit Through the Air
On April 18, the World Health Organization issued a global consultation report updating terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air. Access the press release. Access the report.
CDC Updates Infection Control Guidelines for HCP
CDC released the updated Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel: Epidemiology and Control of Selected Infections Transmitted Among Healthcare Personnel and Patients (cdc.gov). This document supersedes the 1998 Guideline for Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel, Part E. The new sections include measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and special populations: pregnant healthcare personnel. Additional updates are forthcoming. Read more.
Stop Use Order for Dräger N95 Filter Pads
NIOSH posted a notice from Dräger Safety AG & Company, KGaA to alert users that multiple batches of 6738020 Particle filter N95 pads and 6738021 Particle filter R95 pads were manufactured a few millimeters too small and will not fit properly resulting in reduced filter performance. Read the Dräger notice.
APIC Comments to Federal Agencies
APIC provided comments this week to CMS on a proposed rule to strengthen oversight of Accrediting Organizations. APIC also responded to a CDC proposal to expand the number of fungal diseases for which data may be collected.
CDC Health Advisory: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus
CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory with recommendations for identification, investigations, and response following a recently confirmed human infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus resulting from exposure to infected dairy cattle. The CDC website now features a new page dedicated to the current situation on HPAI A(H5N1) virus (“H5N1 … Continue reading “CDC Health Advisory: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus”
CDC Reports First Human Infection with Swine Flu in 2024
CDC reported the first human infection in the U.S. this year with an influenza A(H1N2) variant virus that normally spreads in pigs, not humans. The infection occurred in a person in Pennsylvania who had contact with pigs. No person-to-person transmission has been identified. Read more.
Unapproved Mechanix Wear N95 FFR
NIOSH reported that Fido Mask Co, Ltd posted a notice to make users aware that N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) were manufactured and sold by Mechanix Wear with an unapproved respirator design color-change (to blue). Mechanix Wear LLC MSK-N95 FFR with NIOSH-approval TC-84A-7792 is not approved and should not be used. Read the Fido customer … Continue reading “Unapproved Mechanix Wear N95 FFR”