This issue covers some of the most significant news from June. Topics include OSHA, respiratory program strategy, TB outbreak linked to spinal surgeries, C. diff, hand hygiene, and antibiotics.
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OSHA Limits Long-Awaited Virus Safety Rule to Healthcare — The first nationwide emergency workplace safety rule, requiring healthcare employers to protect workers against on-the-job COVID-19 infection, was published. Qualifying providers have until July 6 to comply with most provisions.
The Roadmap to Respiratory Season Success in Non-Acute Settings — In this McKesson e-book, learn key pillars in formulating a successful respiratory program strategy. The resource features insight from ICCS President Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC, for the two chapters on infection prevention.
CDC Investigating TB Outbreak Linked to Spinal Surgeries — The investigation concerns Aziyo's FiberCel bone repair putty, distributed by Medtronic.
2021 Focused Update Guidelines on Management of Clostridioides Difficile Infection in Adults — IDSA and SHEA published new clinical guidelines for C. diff in adults.
Phenelle Segal to Present on COVID-19's Impact on ASCs — Phenelle will be presenting at the Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgical Centers (FSASC) Annual Conference and Trade Show. Her session on "How COVID-19 Has Impacted ASCs: Lessons Learned and Looking Forward" is scheduled for July 14 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
California Considers Increasing Number of Nursing Home Inspections — Long-term care providers in California could be subject to more visits from inspectors as the state ponders changes to its nursing home inspection system. We'll be watching what's happening in California and seeing if this is a trend that extends to other states.
As New Leader Takes CMS Helm, Look for Action on SNF Waivers and Infection Control Policies — CMS begins the summer with a new administrator. Soon, the skilled nursing industry will begin to see how this new agency leader will shape nursing home policy and regulation.
How to Guard Against Lapsed Hand Hygiene Compliance — Infection preventionists and hospital administrators must continue pushing for better hand hygiene compliance once healthcare workers stop worrying as much about their own safety, a study states.
Toolkit To Improve Antibiotic Use in Long-Term Care — AHRQ has released a new toolkit to help LTC facilities improve their antibiotic use.
Healthcare Leaders Call for National Focus on Preventing Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia — A group of healthcare leaders has published a national call to action to prevent non-ventilator-associated, hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP).
Increased Interseasonal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity in Parts of the Southern United States — CDC has issued a health advisory concerning the spread of RSV cases throughout the south.
AMA: 96% of Doctors are Vaccinated Against COVID-19 — The American Medical Association said 96% of "practicing physicians" have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
