Public Policy Updates

In an analysis of annual inspection data for 2019 and 2021, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found increases in both the number and severity of deficiencies in state veterans’ nursing homes. A majority of the increase was in the quality of care and infection control categories, which cover accidents and staff hand hygiene. While these … Continued

The CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) is hosting a webinar discussing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) in nursing homes on November 15th at 1:00 p.m. EST. The discussion will include a detailed review of what EBP are, why EBP are recommended in nursing homes, and how to be successful with implementation. Presentations will be … Continued

The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to keep healthcare providers informed about the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Uganda caused by Sudan virus. No suspect or confirmed EVD cases related to this outbreak have been reported in the U.S. or other countries outside of Uganda to date. The … Continued

The FDA issued a warning letter jointly with the Federal Trade Commission to Alternative Health Distribution LLC d/b/a CannaAid for selling unapproved and misbranded products for use in treating or preventing COVID-19.

The Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) Program at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) completed an evidence review on Infection Prevention and Control for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and 911 Workforce. APIC provided input to this study. Key findings include:

Adam’s Polishes, LLC is voluntarily recalling lot 133475 of Adam’s Polishes Hand Sanitizer to the consumer level. FDA testing has found this lot to contain undeclared methanol. Adam’s Polishes is recalling 19 other lots in an abundance of caution. Read the FDA recall notice.

CMS has revised guidance for healthcare facility staff COVID-19 vaccination requirements to address the frequency of review of the facility staff vaccination requirement compliance policies. CMS emphasizes that, per the Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination interim final rule, implemented November 5, 2021, facility staff vaccination rates under 100 percent constitute noncompliance (although facilities must … Continued

The FDA is alerting patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers that there is a shortage of tracheostomy tubes, including Bivona tracheostomy tubes manufactured by ICU Medical. A shortage of Bivona tracheostomy tubes is more likely to impact pediatric patients because the supply of alternative tubes with similar functionality may be limited. While FDA and the HHS Administration … Continued

The CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) issued a Health Advisory to notify providers of multiple outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections in children who received pulpotomies in pediatric dental clinics where the dental treatment water contained high levels of bacteria. The CDC emphasizes the importance of following existing recommendations for maintaining and monitoring dental waterlines. Read the CDC … Continued