The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Tuesday issued proposed guidance that would update and replace previous inflection control guidance for the seasonal and H1N1 flu.

The published guidance focuses on the importance of vaccination and steps to minimize the potential for exposure, such as respiratory hygiene, management of ill healthcare workers, droplet and aerosol generating procedure precautions, surveillance, and environmental and engineering controls. The guidance applies to all healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, hospitals and home health.

CMS will accept comments on the guidance by July 22, 2010. It plans to publish the guidance prior to the 2010-2011 flu season.