Two government agencies have released a checklist to help long-term care facilities improve their preparedness for a potential pandemic flu.

Several long-term care organization provided input to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which compiled the checklist.

The checklist identifies key areas for pandemic influenza planning. Long-term care and other residential facilities can use this tool to self-assess the strengths and weaknesses of current planning efforts.

Additional information can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov .