Public Policy Updates

The CDC, USDA, and FDA are working together to contain and keep the public updated on the current avian influenza A (H5N1) situation in people. The CDC reports that, as of May 6 there has been no increase in bird flu cases in humans in the U.S. The USDA reports detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian … Continued

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.

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 … Continued

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.

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.

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 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 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 … Continued

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.