If you were contacted by OSHA during the COVID-19 pandemic, be prepared for an onsite visit in the next 3 months. Today the Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced an enforcement memorandum for a short-term increase in highly focused inspections directed at hospitals and skilled nursing care facilities that treat or handle COVID-19 patients. Their goal is to expand …
In case you haven’t heard, regulatory surveys are back with a vengeance! Federal data indicates that the number of surveys conducted nationwide has risen 132% since 2020, leaving some wondering how fairly standards are being applied when COVID-19 is already forcing facilities to deal with staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, profit loss and increased scrutiny over everything from infection protocols to …
In a study conducted in New York skilled nursing facilities over a two-week period, a three-component Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) assessment was performed virtually. The key components of the assessment were: Screening tool Telephone Infection Prevention and Control checklist COVID-19 video Infection Prevention and Control assessment (COVIDeo) Of the 92 SNFs competing the IPC screening tool and checklist, 52/92 …
CMS updated the original QSO-20-28-NH from April 24, 2020 on July 09, 2020 and again on March 10, 2021. A summary of the updates are below: CMS is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s nursing homes are prepared to respond to the threat of the COVID-19. Nursing Home Compare website and Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System: …
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) conducted an online survey of its 11,922 U.S.-based infection preventionist members on October 22-November 5, 2020. Results from the survey are based on responses from 1,083 infection preventionists located throughout the United States. Here are a few interesting findings regarding PPE and medical supplies: PPE Crisis Standards of Care For …
The nursing home complaint process is a critical safeguard to protect vulnerable residents of nursing homes. CMS relies on the States’ respective survey agencies to serve as the front-line responders to address health and safety concerns raised by residents, their families and nursing home staff. State survey agencies must conduct onsite investigations within certain timeframes for the two most serious …
