New NHSN Reporting Requirements
Please read the March 2024 NHSN E-Newsletter for important updates, including:
EPA Updates EtO Emissions Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that will require significantly reduced emissions from commercial facilities that sterilize medical devices and other equipment using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas. See the EPA website for more information on the rule, including an updated fact sheet.
Tips for Patients to Avoid HAIs
Read the CDC Safe Healthcare Blog to learn about tips for patients to avoid HAIs.
AHRQ Safety Program: Improving Antibiotic Use
The AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving Antibiotic Use is recruiting primary and urgent care practices and retail clinics that use telemedicine for a no-cost, 18-month national program to strengthen antibiotic prescribing practices. Learn more about how to participate in this program.
CDC AMR Exchange Webinar April 9
The next CDC Antimicrobial Resistance Exchange webinar, “Impacts of Antimicrobial Resistance on Cancer Care,” will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 10 a.m ET. Learn more and register for the exchange.
FDA Announces Additional Recalls Associated with Nurse Assist Recalled Products
In November, 2023, the FDA warned consumers, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities not to use recalled saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and sterile water medical products manufactured by Nurse Assist, LLC, and sold under various brands because they may not be sterile. Recalled products were sold under the following brands: Nurse Assist, Cardinal, Covidien, Halyard Owens … Continue reading “FDA Announces Additional Recalls Associated with Nurse Assist Recalled Products”
NIOSH Rescinds Respirator Approval
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has honored a request by Masprot S.C., EI. LTDA to voluntarily rescind eight NIOSH respirator approvals issued to Masprot S.C., EI. LTDA. As of February 13, 2024, any respirator bearing the following approval numbers may no longer be used, manufactured, assembled, sold, or distributed: TC-23C-1918, TC-84A-2749, TC-84A-2864, … Continue reading “NIOSH Rescinds Respirator Approval”
Finding the Right Respirator Fit
Read Valentine’s Day tips from NIOSH to ensure that you and your respirator are the perfect match.
CDC Urges Mpox Vaccination
Although mpox cases in the US have significantly declined since the outbreak peak in 2022, small clusters and severe manifestations continue to occur. The CDC encourages providers to remain diligent about recommending the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to those who are eligible to help reduce the risk of continued mpox transmission. Read more.
Deadline Extended for WHO Survey on IPC Programs
The World Health Organization (WHO) extended the deadline for participation in its multi-level, global survey on implementation of minimum requirements for IPC at the national and healthcare facility levels. The new deadline is March 10. Facilities may participate through the WHO IPC Portal. Learn more.