New CMS letter offers revised infection control guidance for F-441

New CMS letter offers revised infection control guidance for F-441

Information about implementing an infection prevention program, recognizing and containing outbreaks, and proper handling of linens are all part of revised guidance for F-tag 441.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last Friday released a letter containing this revised guidance for long-term care surveyors. The letter also contains training material and a transmittal describing the changes and containing the guidance to be incorporated into Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual.

Last month, CMS disclosed that F-tags 441, 442, 443, 444 and 445 will be collapsed in F-441. The revised guidance is effective Sept. 30.