S&C Memo: Reduce Legionella Risk in Water Systems
Recent reports have highlighted the fact that Legionnaires’ disease kills 25% of those who are infected while getting treatment or residing in a health care facility. Outbreaks have been linked to poorly maintained water systems, including those of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). A June 9 Survey and Certification Memorandum outlines the steps SNFs are required to take to prevent outbreaks.
According to S&C 17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs (REVISED 06.09.2017) Requirement to Reduce Legionella Risk in Healthcare Facility Water Systems to Prevent Cases and Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD) (REVISED 06.09.2017), state surveyors will verify that hospitals and SNFs:
- Conduct a risk assessment
- Implement a water management program
- Specify testing protocols
Providers must develop and implement procedures that inhibit microbial growth and reduce the risk of spread of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its partners have developed a toolkit to help facilities implement environmental and clinical standards for water systems.
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