Q: We are confused about the difference between contact precautions and enhanced barrier precautions. Can you help?
A: Enhanced barrier precautions have certainly caused a stir in the profession, especially among the nurse leaders who write and are responsible for the facility policies.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has stated that it is not surveying for enhanced barriers as yet, but at least two states currently are surveying for them on their own.
I will also say, don’t shoot yourself in the foot by writing your policy with too many promises.
For instance, don’t claim to have enhanced barrier precautions on every cut or skin tear in your building. You know the day the surveyor arrives you will have a new skin tear and someone will not have on enhanced barrier precautions and care for the resident Remember: Surveyors will be looking for the difference between the care and the policy.
Contact precautions
Gown and gloves for all rooms and all activities
Private room ideal
Room restriction except for medically necessary care
Recommended to be time limited
Enhanced barrier precautions
Gown and gloves for only high-contact resident care
No Private room
No room restriction and may participate in community activities
Recommended for duration of stay
Check the CDC website at CDC.gov for more information on enhanced barrier precautions. You will find great resources!
From the January/February 2023 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
