Infection Control:

CMS is requiring facilities to develop an Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) that includes an Antibiotic Stewardship Program and designate at least one Infection Preventionist (IP).

In the proposed rule, CMS removes the need to hire the infection preventionist, which will allow facilities to contract with an individual or another way to meet the requirement of the IPCP, “must have sufficient time at the facility to meet the objectives set forth in the facility’s IPCP.” Facilities must still meet the IPCP requirement but can still meet the requirements without adding additional personnel.