APIC and AAPACN Release New Infection Prevention Resources for Skilled Long-Term Care Facilities

Tools provide guidance on how to implement enhanced barrier precautions

Arlington, Va., December 12, 2024 - The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) in collaboration with the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), has released a practice guidance tool and resource guide to help healthcare personnel in skilled long-term care facilities implement enhanced barrier precautions (EBP).

In March of 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance for skilled nursing facilities on the use of EBP to help prevent infections. EBP involves the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically gowns and gloves, during high-contact resident care activities, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, or toileting. These measures are used specifically in the skilled long-term care setting to allow for flexibility in the care of residents while also minimizing the risk of transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

"Given that the CMS requirements are relatively new and there is some ambiguity regarding their implementation, we believe it is important to provide clarity for healthcare workers," said APIC CEO Devin Jopp, EdD. "The new tools from APIC and AAPACN are intended to assist healthcare professionals in carrying out the new EBP requirement, with the goal of safeguarding nursing home residents from infection."

The practice guidance tool outlines when EBP should be implemented for residents, provides infection control recommendations for routine care activities, and includes case study examples with a self-quiz to help reinforce learning. The resource guide provides a comprehensive list of infection control websites and references. Both tools are available free from the APIC website.

"CMS estimates that more than half of all nursing home residents are colonized with an MDRO, and many go on to develop an infection and die," said AAPACN CNO Amy Steward, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA. "Through our collaboration with APIC, we will be able to support nursing home staff in implementing these enhanced precautions and providing the safest care possible to our nation's seniors."

Learn more about APIC resources for healthcare professionals working in long-term care, including LTC Certification; LTC Essentials Training; the APIC Text, a comprehensive, 125-chapter, infection prevention and control (IPC) reference reflecting the latest guidance in the field; and PolicyPro, which includes customizable IPC policy templates developed by infection prevention and regulatory experts.

Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org .

The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN^®) represents more than 20,000 post-acute care nurses and professionals working in more than 7,200 facilities. Dedicated to supporting PAC nurses and healthcare professionals in providing quality care, AAPACN offers members best in-class education, certification, resources, and strong collaborative communities.# # #

Media contact: Aaron Cohen, [email protected], 301-633-6773