SNF Infection Prevention & Control
SNF Infection Prevention & Control
CMS significantly strengthened infection prevention and control requirements for long-term care facilities as part of the 2016 revised Requirements of Participation, and the COVID-19 pandemic added additional layers of federal guidance, reporting requirements, and survey scrutiny that remain in place today. The focused infection control survey — which CMS deployed during the pandemic and continues to use — evaluates facilities against a specific set of infection control requirements and can be triggered by a complaint, an outbreak, or a routine survey cycle.
Infection control citations — particularly those at Scope and Severity G or higher — have a significant impact on both Five-Star ratings and enforcement exposure. An outbreak that is not contained quickly and documented thoroughly can result in multiple high-severity deficiencies and significant financial penalties.
Service Areas
Infection Prevention and Control Program Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program against F880–F883 requirements established by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Review of program structure, policies, and governance
Assessment of hand hygiene practices and compliance
Evaluation of standard and transmission-based precautions
Review of environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols
Assessment of antibiotic stewardship integration within the IPC framework
Antibiotic Stewardship Program Review
Evaluation of antibiotic prescribing patterns and clinical appropriateness
Assessment of diagnostic criteria used to initiate antibiotic therapy (e.g., Loeb criteria or equivalent)
Review of tracking and monitoring systems for antibiotic-resistant organisms
Verification of compliance with CMS antibiotic stewardship requirements
Outbreak Response Consulting
Real-time consulting support during infectious disease outbreaks (respiratory, gastrointestinal, and others)
Guidance on immediate containment measures within the first 24 to 48 hours
Support with cohorting, isolation protocols, and infection control interventions
Assistance with communication strategies for residents, families, and staff
Documentation support to ensure regulatory compliance during outbreak response
Focused Infection Control Survey Preparation
Structured mock survey aligned with focused infection control survey protocols
Observation of hand hygiene practices and PPE usage/availability
Evaluation of cleaning and disinfection processes
Review of isolation procedures and staff adherence
Delivery of written findings report with corrective action plan
COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness Preparedness
Review of respiratory illness prevention and response protocols
Assessment of vaccination program implementation and tracking
Evaluation of surveillance systems and reporting compliance
Review of internal and external communication plans during outbreaks
Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for HealthBridge US clients and their affiliates or related entities.
The information provided is general in nature and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. While we strive to offer accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee that such information remains accurate after it is received or that it will continue to be accurate over time. Anyone seeking to act on such information should first seek professional advice tailored to their specific situation. HealthBridge US does not offer legal services.
HealthBridge US is not affiliated with any department of public health agencies in any state, nor with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We offer healthcare consulting services exclusively and are an independent consulting firm not affiliated with any regulatory organizations, including but not limited to the Accrediting Organizations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and state departments. HealthBridge is an anti-fraud company in full compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations for CMS, as well as other relevant business and healthcare laws.
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