Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Effect as of April 1 (SNF)
In late March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance for state survey agencies and long-term care (LTC) facilities regarding Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) through QSO-24-08-NH. The requirements took effect April 1, 2024.
On April 1, CMS released updated guidance to surveyors through revisions to Critical Element Pathways impacted by EBP. Available to providers, those Critical Element Pathways outline expected elements of compliance with EBP regulations. At this time, CMS has not updated or added to the Quality, Safety and Education Portal (QSEP) trainings for surveyors.
CMS and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have received requests for clarification about regulation compliance in areas that remain unclear. HCAM will share additional information and guidance as it becomes available.
At the state level, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) developed educational resources and training opportunities for Michigan’s LTC providers:
- The MDHHS Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Section is hosting a 60-minute webinar on April 11 at Noon ET regarding EBP to share information including evidence-based practices and resources. The webinar is offered free of charge; however, registration is required.
- MDHHS also created an Enhanced Barrier Precautions webpage with resources, posters and training materials available to providers.
The Bureau of Survey & Certification (BSC) is reviewing the guidance internally to educate the Michigan survey teams. Additional information and guidance will be shared with providers at the upcoming LTC Stakeholder Meeting scheduled for April 17, 2024.
Additional education and resources:
- The CDC provides several resources for providers when implementing EBP, including educational materials and signs.
- The CDC offers a short video regarding EBP in LTC centers on its YouTube channel.
- The CDC TRAIN environment provides additional resources. (If needed, you can create a log-in at no charge.)
- A CDC Frequently Asked Questions site is also available.
- Implementation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use in Nursing Homes to Prevent Spread of Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDROs)
- Additional information regarding Novel or Targeted MDROs here: Containment Strategy.