Management of Environmental Concerns

Course overview

Preventing Infection Through Laundry Measures This program explains regulatory requirements and guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding laundry management in long-term care settings. Topics included are laundry handling precautions, best practices for personal protective equipment (PPE) for laundry staff, and appropriate measures to use to prevent cross-contamination when transporting laundry. Additionally, the program covers infection control laundry practices, when to use dry cleaning services rather than water-based laundry processes, mattress and pillow care, and linen storage best practices. Legionella and Facility Water System Safety Content: Legionella has become a serious health threat to nursing homes that have not implemented a water safety system. This program covers necessary areas of surveillance and provides a link to the CDC Tool Kit Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth and Spread in Buildings: A Practical Guide to Implementing Industry Standards. The recorded power point program presents the following areas of importance: risk factors of Legionella, how Legionella can grow and spread, symptoms and treatment, what healthcare providers and facility leaders can do, what CMS expects in regard to water management policies, what an effective water management program does, the seven key activities which should be routinely performed in a Legionella water management program, the importance of proper disinfection and water temperature, who to test, how to implement water restrictions and immediate control measures, and the importance of prevention and reporting of positive water tests or resident illness. Pest Control in Healthcare Facilities Content: F925 Effective Pest Control Program in the State Operations Manual Appendix PP states that facilities are to maintain an effective pest control program so that the facility is free of pests and rodents. An effective pest control program is defined as measures to eradicate and contain common household pests (e.g., bedbugs, lice, roaches, ants, mosquitoes, flies, mice, and rats). Pest Control in Healthcare Facilities explains the importance of maintaining an effective pest control program. It reviews what constitutes an effective pest control program and the different types of pests that can infiltrate facilities. It covers general guidelines for sanitation and pest prevention and guidelines for environmental infection control in healthcare facilities. It is not just useful for environmental services personnel, but explains that front-line employees are the first line of defense in maintaining a pest-free facility. The programs reviews different management strategies to control pests, and is designed for the administrator and all levels of personnel in the facility to ensure a successful team effort.