NEW CMS REQUIREMENT
Effective June 2, 2017.
FACILITY REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT LEGIONELLA INFECTIONS
Facilities must develop and adhere to policies and procedures that inhibit microbial growth in building water systems that reduce the risk of growth and spread of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens in water.
POLICY MEMORANDUM APPLIES TO
Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and Long-Term Care (LTC).
EXPECTATIONS
HCFS to have water management policies to reduce the risk of growth and spread of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens in building water systems.
Surveyors will review policies, procedures and reports documenting water management implementation.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
- Conduct a risk assessment to identify where Legionella and other opportunistic waterborne pathogens could grow and spread in the water system.
- Implement a water management program.
- Document the results of testing and corrective actions.
Mike Gunn
