What to know: The recent CDC Health Alert Network update regarding hantavirus has understandably raised questions across healthcare settings, including long term care (LTC). While...
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CMS has provided updated guidance for institutional providers for coding claims for vaccine administration when the vaccination is the only service billed on the claim. The effective...
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Upcoming deadline: All nursing homes are required to report on annual influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel (HCP) by May 18, 2026, in the CDC National...
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Necessary training: AHCA’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically...
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What’s new: The CDC has released a new Antimicrobial Resistance Communications Toolkit. The materials were informed by formative research and designed to educate health care professionals, the public, and other stakeholders on the threat of...
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Useful tools: The March/April edition of the VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) & Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Newsletter included info on two tools for infection preventionists (IPs)....
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What we’re reading: The Fairfax County Health Department praised the efforts of Mount Vernon Healthcare Center’s (MVHC) flu vaccination efforts, which were the highest in...
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New resources: The CDC recently announced the availability of new and updated resources for long term care (LTC) providers including an LTC Factsheet and a Sepsis...
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New resources: The CDC recently announced the availability of new and updated resources for long term care (LTC) providers including an LTC Factsheet and a...
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Coming up: On January 27, the CDC’s Project Firstline invites partners to join a webinar at 1:00 pm, featuring CDC experts and the American Medical Association , for the latest information on preventing and...
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Coming up: On January 27, the CDC’s Project Firstline invites partners to join a webinar at 1:00 pm, featuring CDC experts and the American Medical Association , for the latest information on preventing...
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Check out the newest #GetVaccinated resources from AHCA/NCAL: a four-part video series designed to support meaningful, effective conversations about vaccines across long term and post-acute care settings. This...
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Check out the newest #GetVaccinated resources from AHCA/NCAL: a four-part video series designed to support meaningful, effective conversations about vaccines across long term and post-acute care...
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Added resources: AHCA/NCAL has released two new resources to help long term care (LTC) staff better understand mRNA vaccines and confidently address questions about them. These...
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What’s new: NCAL has designed a specialized course for health care professionals who want to serve as Infection Preventionists (IPs) in assisted living communities. Based...
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Call to action: VDH is calling on all healthcare facilities to strengthen environmental cleaning and disinfection practices to stop the spread of dangerous drug-resistant germs...
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Your best shot at staying well: AHCA/NCAL, in partnership with Moderna, has launched its 2025-2026 #GetVaccinated campaign, which offers new and updated resources for long term...
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An October 10 Clinician Letter from the State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton aligns Virginia guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine with the CDC’s schedules. Of note,...
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Your best shot at staying well: AHCA/NCAL, in partnership with Moderna, has launched its 2025-2026 #GetVaccinated campaign, which offers new and updated resources for long...
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What’s new: The CDC recently updated its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent recommendations,...
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The latest: On September 30, VDH published a clinician letter and recommendations for healthcare personal (HCP) exposed or infected with COVID-19 or seasonal influenza. The details: The summary of recommendations includes:...
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Important reminder from DSS: Outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illness should be reported to your licensing representative and VDH within 24 hours of the...
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What’s new: The CDC recently updated its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent...
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The latest: On September 30, VDH published a clinician letter and recommendations for healthcare personal (HCP) exposed or infected with COVID-19 or seasonal influenza. The details:...
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Last week the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) held its quarterly meeting and reviewed COVID-19 vaccines including updates to the vaccine implementation. During the...
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What’s happening: The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stopped shipping free COVID-19 tests to skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities in...
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What’s new: The CDC recently released the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine recommendations in its Morbidity and Mortality Week Report (MMWR). Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all...
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What’s new: The CDC recently released the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine recommendations in its Morbidity and Mortality Week Report (MMWR). Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for...
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ahcancalED’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control (IPC) in all long term care settings and is...
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Do you have questions about infection prevention topics? Join the CDC Project Firstline, along with the National Infection Prevention Forum (NIPF) for monthly Open Office Hours...
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What’s happening: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a memorandum announcing an immediate suspension, or “stay,” of its COVID-19 recordkeeping and reporting requirements under 29 CFR...
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Join the conversation: You’re invited to join the National Infection Prevention Forum (NIFP), an evidence‑based community that connects over 2,000 infection preventionists (IPs) in long term care...
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Coming this summer: The Roadshow is back with five in-person sessions across Virginia this summer! Hosted by the VDH HAI/AR Program, this no cost one-day...
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Do you have questions about infection prevention topics? Join the CDC Project Firstline, along with the National Infection Prevention Forum (NIPF) for monthly Open Office Hours...
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What to know: The deadline for nursing homes to report health care personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination coverage in the CDC’s National Health Safety Network (NHSN)...
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Tailored to the AL setting: NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) for Assisted Living is a specialized course of study for health care professionals who desire to...
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Training NFs need: AHCA’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is...
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Do you have questions about infection prevention topics? Join the CDC Project Firstline, along with the National Infection Prevention Forum (NIPF) for monthly open office...
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What’s new: On January 16, the CDC issued two MMWR articles describing changes in the 2025 immunization schedule. Changes related to older adults include new...
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CMS announced the updated Part B payment amounts for calendar year (CY) 2025 preventive vaccine administration. This includes COVID-19, flu, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal. Please refer to...
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Important reminder: By making vaccination a top priority during the admission process, you are taking a crucial step in the fight against respiratory illnesses and...
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As we step into a new year, nursing home providers are presented with an important opportunity to revisit crucial health conversations with residents and their...
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Save $100 on IP Training! NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) for Assisted Living is a specialized course of study for health care professionals who desire to...
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Tis the season! Long term care (LTC) facilities and communities across the country will experience increased resident and family visitation, social engagement, and resident activities with...
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In a December 11 memo, DSS reminds assisted living facilities of their obligations to report outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness. Outbreaks should be reported to...
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In a December 11 memo, DSS reminds assisted living facilities of their obligations to report outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness. Outbreaks should be reported...
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Tis the season! Long term care (LTC) facilities and communities across the country will experience increased resident and family visitation, social engagement, and resident activities...
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December 9: AHCA/NCAL is hosting a free webinar on encouraging vaccinations so you and your residents can risk less and do more. Hear from federal...
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Welcome to Part 3 of the four-part series on navigating vaccine conversations. In this post, we focus on addressing misinformation—one of the most common obstacles...
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New resources: AHCA/NCAL has released new promotional materials to support its #GetVaccinated campaign for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season and encourage residents, staff, and caregivers...
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Spread the word: Use AHCA/NCAL’s new public service announcement (PSA) video, “Stronger Together” on your facilities closed-circuit television in facilities or on social media to highlight...
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New resource: Use AHCA/NCAL’s new public service announcement (PSA) video, "Stronger Together" on your facilities closed-circuit television in facilities or on social media to highlight...
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Welcome back to AHCA/NCAL’s four-part series on having conversations about vaccines with residents, family members, and staff. In the first post, we explored the Transtheoretical Model...
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What’s new: AHCA/NCAL has developed a four-part series taking a fresh approach for sharing information about the importance and value of vaccination during respiratory virus...
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What’s happening: The CDC has endorsed two new recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The CDC is recommending a second dose...
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Worth the listen: Checkout the latest episode of AHCA/NCAL’s “Perspectives in Long Term Care” to hear host Debbie Stadtler sit down with Dr. David Gifford, AHCA/NCAL chief medical...
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Worth the listen: Checkout the latest episode of AHCA/NCAL’s “Perspectives in Long Term Care” to hear host Debbie Stadtler sit down with Dr. David Gifford,...
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Sign up to receive support from local community pharmacies for the current fall vaccine season. Health Quality Innovators (HQI) is offering this service for assisted living...
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Sign up to receive support from local community pharmacies for the current fall vaccine season. Health Quality Innovators (HQI) is offering this service for assisted...
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In a guest column in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, AHCA/NCAL Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford emphasizes that now is the time to encourage residents...
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Starting October 4, 2024, a new acute respiratory illness metric has replaced the influenza-like illness (ILI) metric on the CDC's Respiratory Illness Data Channel. This new...
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Just in time for respiratory virus season, you can save on AHCA’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO). The course is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention...
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This October: Join HQIN's free virtual Infection Prevention and Control Office Hours, which address topics concerning respiratory virus season. The webinar series focuses on COVID-19...
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This fall HQI is offering free virtual Infection Prevention and Control Office Hours, which address topics concerning respiratory virus season. The focus will be...
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RSV, COVID-19, and flu: These three respiratory viruses have similarities and all can be particularly dangerous for residents with weakened immune systems and other underlying...
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What’s happening: DSS’s Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT) continues to offer on-site infection and prevention and control training for provider staff, through VDH grant...
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This fall HQI is offering free virtual Infection Prevention and Control Office Hours, which address topics concerning respiratory virus season. The focus will be on...
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RSV poses a threat to long term care (LTC) residents, and its symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza (flu). RSV is more common...
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The big picture: Trust, communication, and ease of access increase vaccine program success as the respiratory virus season progresses. Building a successful vaccination program for...
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The CDC is hosting a webinar on September 16 on the latest respiratory virus vaccination recommendations, testing and treatment guidance, and infection prevention strategies....
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ICYMI: Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities with an active CLIA waiver are eligible to receive free monthly shipments of over the counter (OTC)...
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RSV poses a threat to long term care (LTC) residents, and its symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza (flu). RSV is more...
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What’s happening: A new nationwide initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination...
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Now is a good time for long term and post-acute care providers to prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season. With the triple threat of...
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The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. These vaccines are specifically formulated to target currently circulating variants, which have...
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AHCA’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically tailored to...
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What to know: Chapter 7 – Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities of the State Operations Manual (SOM) outlines how...
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Join the Long Term Care Data Cooperative! The cooperative is a national effort to improve the care of post-acute and long term care residents, and to...
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IPC 101 for AL: With emerging communicable diseases, including multidrug resistant organisms, it is important for assisted living (AL) team members to understand standard, contact,...
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What’s new: DSS has announced a new infection prevention and control education curriculum available for assisted living facilities. The curriculum is hosted on the CDC TRAIN platform. This...
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), the perfect time to plan for your facility's upcoming RSV, COVID-19 and influenza vaccination efforts. Use this month...
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Heading into the fall respiratory virus season, providers can still obtain free COVID-19 tests through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Abbott...
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What’s new: DSS has announced a new infection prevention and control education curriculum available for assisted living facilities. The curriculum is hosted on the CDC...
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What’s happening: With emerging communicable diseases, including multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs), it is important for assisted living team members to understand standard, contact, and airborne...
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What to know: AHCA/NCAL has highlighted which questions were updated when the CDC posted the May 20 changes to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on...
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AHCA is hosting a member-only webinar with a panel of experts from the CDC (including Dr. Bola Ogundimu, Dr. Kara Jacobs Slifka; and Dr. Heather Jones)...
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What’s new: A May 20 update to the CDC webpage on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes addresses questions about...
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What’s happening: The DSS Infection Prevention and Control Team is hosting a webinar on May 23 at 10:00 am on the use of the infection...
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What’s new: As of May 1, 2024, hospitals are no longer required to report Hospital Respiratory Pathogen, Bed Capacity, and Supply Data (commonly referred to...
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AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically tailored to...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
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As previewed by Tara Davis at last week’s Assisted Living Symposium, DSS has announced the delivery of the infection prevention and control train-the-trainer resource binder...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
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AHCA/NCAL offers two great program designed for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control (IPC) in all long term care settings. The Infection Preventionist Specialized...
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What’s new: The CDC has a suite of tools and resources to assist nursing homes with implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) as outlined in the recent CMS...
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What’s new: This week CMS issued QSO-24-08-NH regarding the implementation of enhanced barrier precautions (EBPs) in nursing homes to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
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After the CDC updated its guidance for respiratory viruses in community settings, DSS issued a memo on March 7, 2024, with recommendations for Virginia assisted...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
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What’s happening: The CDC endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated...
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What’s new: On March 1, 2024, the CDC issued updated guidance for respiratory viruses in community settings. The CDC’s goal is to simplify its recommendations...
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New webinar series: Health Quality Innovators (HQI), in collaboration with DSS is hosting a series of affinity group webinars designed to engage assisted living facilities (ALF) and adult...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in...
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New webinar series: Health Quality Innovators (HQI), in collaboration with DSS is hosting a series of affinity group webinars designed to engage assisted living facilities...
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From VDH: The agency has issued a staff educational resource, a competency template, and a competency validation tool for safe glucose checks. The one-pager that...
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A common misperception is that COVID-19 is no longer a serious virus, and some may even believe that it's less serious than influenza. While the...
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CMS has shared guidance on vaccine billing. For flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines furnished on or after July 1, 2023, to patients in a Medicare...
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Worth the read: AHCA/NCAL Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford offered words of advice and encouragement about overcoming vaccine fatigue hesitancy in a column he...
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The CDC issued a Health Advisory for providers about low vaccination rates against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in all settings and populations. These low vaccination...
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What’s new: DSS is developing infection prevention and control (IPC) training resources for providers. DSS will make a one-time distribution of the materials in early...
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ICYMI: With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak...
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What’s new: DSS is developing infection prevention and control (IPC) training resources for providers. DSS will make a one-time distribution of the materials in early...
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With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak reporting...
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For the first time, vaccines are available to help protect against severe illness caused by all three of the major fall and winter respiratory viruses—flu,...
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What’s happening: DSS will host an educational webinar on auditing and monitoring of infection control practices on December 6 at 10:00 am. During the webinar,...
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New resources: The CDC has released several resources for long term care providers to support their efforts on vaccines, treatment and infection control this respiratory...
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What’s new: VDH Commissioner Karen Shelton issued a clinician letter providing updates on how to prepare for the upcoming season to help keep individuals healthy...
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Check out the #GetVaccinated Toolkit’s best practices checklist to make sure you are prepared for vaccination season and achieve high vaccination rates. Remember, there are...
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New resources are available on the #GetVaccinated website, including the latest “Frequently Asked Questions," “Vaccine Co-Administration in Long Term Care," and “Offering and Documenting Vaccines...
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Coming up: This year’s U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is November 18-24, 2023. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate...
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Save now: AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically...
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Mark your calendar for the November 9 webinar, Strategies for Outbreak Prevention & Management and Staff Retention offered by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) in partnership...
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What’s happening: The DSS Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT), in partnership with Health Quality Innovators (HQI), will offer an educational webinar on October 24...
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What’s new: DSS has revised the Direct Care Staff Curriculum, Chapter 2 Infection Control, to reflect the most updated information regarding infection prevention and control...
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Respiratory season can be dangerous for individuals 65 and up and those with underlying health conditions. Elderly individuals residing in long term care facilities, both...
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It’s time to talk with your patients about flu shots. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone six months and older. September and October are...
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It’s time to roll up our sleeves. As we gear up for cold and flu season, the importance of vaccination has never been more evident....
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What’s happening: Health Quality Innovators (HQI) has teamed with VDH to assist participating assisted living facilities and adult day care centers across the state to...
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Sign up and save: AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care...
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The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers about increases in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across some...
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Better Together: Partners in Prevention is the theme for the 48th Annual APIC Virginia Educational Conference on October 5-6. The Virginia Chapter of the Association...
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What’s new: The CDC has developed an Antibiotic Resistance & Patient Safety Portal (AR&PSP), which enables you to explore and visualize data on antimicrobial resistance and...
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As fall approaches, long term care (LTC) providers should be preparing to vaccinate their residents and staff against common respiratory viruses. There are three vaccines...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI-AR) Program is notifying long term care facilities (LTCFs) of an ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to soft serve ice...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI-AR) Program is notifying long term care facilities (LTCFs) of an ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to...
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To promote and increase adult vaccinations, and celebrate August as National Immunization month, Health Quality Innovators (HQI) has launched the Your Health Can’t Wait, Vaccinate!...
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What’s new: The CDC has released new resources to assist nursing facility staff with understanding the benefits of and implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBPs). This new...
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ICYMI: The DSS Division of Licensing Programs developed a model Infection Control Plan Manual template for use by assisted living facilities (ALFs). This template allows...
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VDH is sharing the slides, recording, and question/answers from a recent webinar on the latest CDC and CMS COVID-19 guidance for infection prevention and control...
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Upcoming training: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is hosting the IP Educator Roadshow offering a free, one-day training session for healthcare...
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Newly updated: AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and...
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You are invited to a VDH webinar on June 14 from 12:00-1:00 pm covering the CDC and CMS COVID-19 Updated Guidance for Infection Prevention in...
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CMS updated the Infection Control Critical Element pathway related to the end of the Healthcare Provider Vaccine Mandate announced May 31, 2023. The pathway was...
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Area of focus: Even as the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended and some regulations have been rolled back, facilities still need to educate visitors...
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What’s new: The CDC updated the interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel (HCP) during the COVID-19 pandemic At the bottom of the webpage,...
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The Virginia IMPACT Echo Project is hosting a webinar series to engage a responsive community of practice for collaboration and communication around managing infectious diseases...
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What you need to know: After more than three years, the federal public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic ends today, May 11,...
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Get the latest on the VDH Updated Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO) Containment and Prevention Guidance during a May 5 webinar. Webinar objectives: Review CDC’s updated Containment...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare Acquired Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI&AR) program is hosting a webinar on May 5 at noon on its Updated Multidrug-Resistant...
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Mark your calendar for the return of the DSS Lunch & Learn Series on April 12, 19, and 26 at 11:00 am. This series will present three different...
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VDH update: Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Parham Jaberi issued a COVID-19 Clinician Update dated April 5, 2023. The letter includes updates on COVID-19 reporting...
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DSS announced the next installment of the comprehensive statewide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program through its partnership with VCU Gerontology CCE. The Developing...
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VDH is warning of a concerning increase in cases of Candida auris (C. auris) and/or carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) in Virginia. All health care facilities across...
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DSS has extended the deadline to complete the survey on assisted living facilities’ educational and training needs on infection prevention and control (IPC). Providers have...
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What’s happening: VDH is offering nursing facilities and assisted living facilities the opportunity to apply for a one-time supply distribution of select infection prevention Facilities...
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What's happening: DSS and VCU Gerontology have kicked off a new Lunch & Learn Series: Mentoring and Oversight of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Practices....
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What’s happening: DSS requests that assisted living facilities (ALFs) complete a survey to determine your interest and gauge your educational training needs specific to infection prevention...
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What’s happening: DSS requests that assisted living facilities complete a survey to determine your interest and gauge your educational training needs specific to infection prevention...
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Training and competency testing staff members’ infection prevention knowledge and skill sets are critical steps toward minimizing the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19. AHCA/NCAL offers...
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The CDC has released interim guidance for long term care and post-acute care facilities for the 2022-2023 influenza season. The CDC also provided its recommendations for influenza vaccines and...
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NCAL Director of Quality Improvement Pam Truscott shares simple steps you can take to keep residents, families, and yourself safe during this cold and flu...
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Targeting three key areas can help facilities prevent respiratory outbreaks this winter, according to the US COVID-19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha, MD, MPH. Ensure residents...
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What’s happening: AHCA/NCAL is hosting a member webinar on December 9 at 3:00 pm focusing on practical steps facilities can take to prepare for the...
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What’s new: The CDC’s Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings is now available. The CDC considers these core practices to...
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Three great programs are on the calendar in December & January. Take a look and sign up today—deadlines to register and book rooms are coming...
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What’s happening: DMAS is combining its exisiting managed care programs, CCC Plus and Medallion, to create a single identity for all members receiving services through...
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The CDC has updated the guidance on the CDC Flu Web page to reflect new guidance on placement and testing when COVID-19 and influenza viruses are co-circulating....
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What’s happening: US Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual observance that raises awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic...
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What’s new: AHCA/NCAL has lowered the price on the Basics of Infection Prevention & Control in the Post-COVID-19 World facility subscription option. This 50-minute course...
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Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Increases in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with...
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What’s new: AHCA/NCAL has lowered the price on the Basics of Infection Prevention & Control in the Post-COVID-19 World facility subscription option. This 50-minute course...
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Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Increases in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with...
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Mark your calendar: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance Program is hosting a webinar on November 16, 2022 to review recent changes to recommendations...
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Encourage residents and staff to get a flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine You can give flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time....
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A targeted focus on basic infection prevention, particularly hand hygiene, is an excellent place to focus on patient/resident safety and boost infection prevention. Small but impactful...
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What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance Program is hosting a webinar on November 16, 2022 on the updates to the Enhanced Barrier...
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A targeted focus on basic infection prevention, particularly hand hygiene, is an excellent place to focus on patient/resident safety and boost infection prevention. Small but...
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Sign up for the next session of the DSS and VCU Gerontology the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program. The November 2, 11:00 am session will...
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The popular Infection Preventionist (IPCO) Specialized Training offered by AHCA/NCAL is on sale through the end of 2022. Use the training to prepare for Phase...
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Sign up for the next installment of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program hosted by DSS and VCU Gerontology. The next session on Basic...
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Sign up for the upcoming Lunch & Learn hosted by DSS and VCU Gerontology as part of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program....
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Based on lessons learned throughout the pandemic, HQIN is offering a no-cost virtual review of participating nursing homes’ emergency preparedness plans. Reviews will focus on...
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a 50-minute training on the basics of effective infection prevention and control suitable for all levels of staff members in skilled nursing and assisted living...
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ahcancalED’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training - IPCO Version 2 specially trains infection preventionists (IP) to effectively implement and manage an infection prevention and control (IPC)...
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The next installment of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program is September 7 at 11:00 am. The webinar...
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AHCA/NCAL has created an FAQ guide on what you need to know about monkeypox. This resource is a follow up to the updated CDC guidance for...
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What’s new: The CDC updated its guidance for infection prevention and control of monkeypox in health care settings. Recommendations were added on how to monitor exposed...
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ahcancalED offers a 50-minute training on the basics of effective infection prevention and control suitable for all levels of staff members in skilled nursing and assisted...
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HQI’s new Vaccine Champion Social Media Package can help your facility boost vaccine confidence by encouraging staff, residents, families and visitors to share their “why”...
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The second personal protective equipment (PPE) webinar of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program is August 4. This...
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The VDH infection prevention (IP) team supports facilities with onsite proactive infection prevention and control (IPC) assessments. You can request the non-regulatory assessments to assist...
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COVID variants are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Training and competency testing assisted living staff members’ infection prevention knowledge and skill sets are...
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The latest modules of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program cover Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The PPE Part...
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In recent weeks, reports about monkeypox and Candida auris (C. auris) cases in the US have been released. It is important to have a basic...
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Coinciding with a new report on antimicrobial resistance, the CDC has updated its guidance on enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) for all health care settings, including nursing homes. The...
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DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE announced a new comprehensive statewide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program. Register to access the training platform and enroll...
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AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training teaches leaders how to implement and maintain a facility-wide infection prevention culture and includes COVID-19...
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The CDC recently released a Nursing Home Communication toolkit to help nursing home health care professionals better communicate with residents and families on antibiotic treatment expectations. Pressure...
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VDH is continuing the CDC-led multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) webinar series for healthcare professionals. The next webinar, “Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Skilled Nursing Facilities,” will be held on...
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Did you know that VDH has eight regional infection preventionists (IPs) throughout the Commonwealth who are available to provide consultation and education on infection prevention...
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The CDC has updated two health care infection prevention and control guidance documents, including: Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC;...
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AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings. One-hundred percent...
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DSS has extended the deadline for assisted living providers to respond to its survey on the educational and training needs of ALF employees on infection...
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As part of a grant DSS received in partnership with VDH, DSS will provide essential infection prevention and control support to licensed adult providers throughout...
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AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings. One-hundred percent...
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Members can save $50 on AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) by using promo code IPCO2021 at checkout through October 31, 2021. This training is on recommended...
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VDH has made resources available from the September 23 CDC webinar on the containment of Candida auris (C. auris) and carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO). A second...
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Members can save $50 on AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) by using promo code IPCO2021 at checkout through October 31, 2021. This training is on...
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Members can save $50 on AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) by using promo code IPCO2021 at checkout through October 31, 2021. This training is on...
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International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) aims to shine a light on infection prevention each year. This year’s theme is “Make Your Intention Infection Prevention” highlighting...
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It’s flu season, and flu shots are the best way to protect your patients, yourself, and your loved ones. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone...
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Members can save $50 on AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) by using promo code IPCO2021 at checkout through October 31, 2021. This training is only recommended...
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All Virginia long term care facilities are eligible to request a proactive onsite infection prevention and control assessment with VDH personnel. Visit the VDH Infection Control...
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AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training includes COVID-19 bonus content. The training also teaches leaders how to implement and...
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AHCA/NCAL offers two online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration....
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HQIN has created the Pause for Prevention program, a free turnkey program to assist nursing facilities in ensuring all staff have a basic understanding of...
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AHCA’s Infection Prevention and Control in the Post-COVID-19 World online course reviews how COVID-19 spreads, how to track and report the illness, and describes the...
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AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care (LTC)...
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The latest VDH HAI High Sign newsletter, which is focused on important updates on healthcare-associated infections (HAI), includes reminders about the proper cleaning and disinfection of blood...
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The latest VDH HAI High Sign newsletter, which is focused on important updates on healthcare-associated infections (HAI), includes reminders about the proper cleaning and disinfection...
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If you missed the webinar this week on strategies for containing and infection control for Candida auris, a recording is now available. In addition, the...
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The CDC is warning that Candida auris (C. auris) is a serious global health threat. We know this fungus is often multidrug resistant fungus and...
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The CDC has issued a health advisory regarding increased interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity. The CDC recommends staff of long term care facilities should avoid...
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AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training includes COVID-19 bonus content. The training also teaches leaders how to implement...
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Mark your calendar now for VHCA-VCAL’s July 13 webinar on C. auris, which poses a particular threat to long term care residents and patients. Our panel...
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Mark your calendar now for VHCA-VCAL’s July 13 webinar on C. auris, which poses a particular threat to long term care residents and patients. Our...
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VCHA-VCAL is hosting a free webinar on July 13, 2021, at 10:00 am on multidrug resistant organism (MDRO) surveillance for Candida auris (C. auris) and...
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State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver has written a clinicians letter on the rising cases of Candida auris, an emerging fungus that is often resistant...
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The Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN), the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Virginia, has developed a variety of hand hygiene resources to provide...
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AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training includes COVID-19 bonus content. The training also teaches leaders how...
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The CDC and VDH are collaborating on Project Firstline, an initiative aimed at providing innovative and effective infection prevention and control training for all frontline...
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AHCA/NCAL has an online program in conjunction with Healthcare Academy® that incorporates a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration. The...
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In Provider’s February issue, care providers share what COVID-19 policies have stood the test of time. In “Infection Control Lessons Learned,” clinicians say that new...
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VCU is recruiting additional nursing facilities to participate in its no-cost training and mentorship program for the ECHO National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. The...
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AHCA/NCAL's expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for assisted living nurses responsible for infection prevention and control. While designed...
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AHCA/NCAL has two online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration....
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In QSO-20-31-All (Revised 01/04/2021), CMS has released updated guidance on the frequency of focused infection control (FIC) surveys as well as providing FAQs regarding health,...
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The AHCA/NCAL Infection Control Certificate Program is designed for skilled nursing and assisted living staff and features two main areas. It’s a program that fully...
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AHCA/NCAL has a new online program in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®, AHCA/NCAL's Infection Control Certificate Program, which incorporates a digital competency platform to allow for...
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The CDC has developed a flu vaccination toolkit to assist post-acute and long term care facility owners and administrators with improving vaccination coverage among their...
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AHCA/NCAL has announced a new Infection Control Certificate Program to provide targeted eLearning modules and digital competencies. Five eLearning modules that provide basic knowledge in...
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The CDC updated the interim infection prevention and control recommendations for health care personnel (HCP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of the changes includes: Different options...
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AHCA/NCAL has two new online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills...
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The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccinating by the end of October can be an important step with the...
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With flu season approaching, the CDC has implemented two new features in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Long term care facilities will now be...
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VHCA-VCAL joined more than 60 other entities from around the Commonwealth promoting the importance of getting a flu shot this year. The joint statement emphasizes...
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In late August, DSS issued a memo stressing the importance of influenza vaccination for residents and staff in assisted living facilities (ALFs). DSS states that...
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[caption id="attachment_102970" align="alignright" width="391"] Vaccine in vial with syringe. Vaccination concept. 3d[/caption] DSS has issued a memo stressing the importance of influenza vaccination for residents...
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AHCA/NCAL has released three new resources to help long term care providers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection Prevention and Control in the Post-COVID-19...
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Next week the Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN) will host the second session in its Office Hour Series to help nursing facilities be infection control...
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AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term...
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AHCA has long recommended that each skilled nursing facility train at least two infection preventionists through AHCA’s IPCO training program should one infection preventionist leave the facility...
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The Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN), the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for Virginia, is hosting an office hours series to support survey readiness and help...
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The emergence of COVID-19 has compounded the need for centers to have an effective infection prevention and control program. AHCA/NCAL’s new and expanded version of...
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The emergence of COVID-19 has compounded the need for centers to have an effective infection prevention and control program. AHCA/NCAL’s new and expanded version of...
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AHCA/NCAL has a new and expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2), and registration is open for the online training. Phase III...
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VDH scheduled the COVID-19 webinar for assisted living, PACE, adult day and group homes for Friday, March 20, at 2:30 pm. (This webinar was previously...
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VHCA-VCAL members met with Sen. Tim Kaine on for a virtual townhall on March 18 to discuss ways the senator could support nursing facilities and...
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CDC issued guidance on March 18 on the use of masks, gowns and face shields including suggestions on what to do if in crises shortages...
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Relias has launched How to Prepare for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Influenza: Free Training & Resources, a digital toolkit containing free resources regarding COVID-19 preparedness and...
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VDH has rescheduled the COVID-19 webinar for assisted living, PACE, adult day and group homes from this afternoon March 18 to Friday, March 20, at...
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Our website has been updated with the latest version of our COVID-19 Screening Toolkit – March 18, 2020 Revision. The updated file includes new information...
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In a March 17, 2020 letter to adult program licensees, DSS noted it had reviewed guidance from the CDC in conjunction with AHCA/NCAL resources and...
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News outlets across the state have been covering how long term care providers are protecting residents from the introduction of the coronavirus into their facilities....
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April Payne, VHCA-VCAL vice president of quality improvement, was part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s press conference on March 11 to provide updates and discuss ongoing...
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Our priority right now is to prevent COVID-19 from getting into nursing facilities and assisted living facilities and if it does get in, to prevent...
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The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a special edition of its Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) High Sign newsletter about Candida auris. The newsletter focuses...
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Candida auris has been the subject of recent media stories based on a New York Times article. C. auris is an emerging yeast that can...
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