New CMS Guidance on Infection Control (F411) Now Utilized In Survey Process

VHCA (11/6/2009)

AHCA’s new September 2009 edition of the Long Term Care Survey is now available.  State surveyors are now using the revised guidance by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for Infection Control during the survey process.  Don’t risk a facility citation; make sure staff are prepared and knowledgeable regarding the changes in regulations to F-Tag 441, Infection Control and other changes released this summer for “Quality of Life.” The new September 2009 edition of AHCA’s Long Term Care Survey contains two sets of changes. The first set was issued in April 2009 and concerns changes in guidance in Appendix PP for Quality of Life and Environment issues. These changes became effective in June. These quality of life and environment issues are scattered throughout Appendix PP in many different F-tags. An additional change was the deletion of F255, closets; the information was moved to F461. The second set of changes became effective September 30. This combines F-tags 441, 442, 443, 444, and 445 into one, F441, Infection Control. The September edition includes more than 40 pages of new guidance in F441. To place an order for the Long Term Care Survey, call 800.321.0343 or visit www.AHCApublications.org.

AHCA/NCAL Offers FREE Shipping on Orders of $300 or More
In today’s economic environment, saving a little on the resources you need for your facility and staff can help stretch your budget a bit further. Now through November 30, AHCA/NCAL customers can receive FREE Shipping on orders $300 or more. This special, limited-time opportunity is available when you place your order by phone, 800-321-0343. Simply mention Promo Code: SHIP09. To view a list of resources, please visit www.AHCApublications.org.