As part of the first phase of the rules of participation for longterm care facilities wishing to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, providers are being required to develop an infection prevention and control program, according to an article on the McKnights website.
Key aspects of the new provisions, include the importance of the infection preventionist's (IP's) role in collaboration, education and supply chain.
The IP responsibilities include procuring the appropriate supplies and products to support infection prevention practice.
It is important for the IP to collaborate with the staff to ensure they are part of process improvement.