APIC's Concerns Over CMS Nursing Home Staffing Proposal
Arlington, Va., September 5, 2023 – The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) expresses profound concern over the Biden Administration's latest efforts to enhance nursing home staffing. While acknowledging the positive step toward patient care, these proposed changes overlook a critical aspect - protecting nursing home residents from infections. This issue gains added urgency when we recall that during the peak of the pandemic, over one-third of COVID-19 fatalities were associated with nursing homes.
As highlighted by the Administration in their February 28, 2022 Fact Sheet, the non-compliance with federal guidelines in nursing homes is alarmingly prevalent. According to the Government Accountability Office, between 2013 and 2017, a staggering 82% of inspected nursing homes exhibited deficiencies in infection prevention and control, including lapses in basic practices like regular handwashing, identified through Medicare and Medicaid surveys.
For years, government reports have underscored the dire need for improved infection prevention in nursing homes. APIC continues to implore Congress and the Administration to mandate the presence of a dedicated, full-time infection preventionist in each nursing home, whose sole responsibility is safeguarding against infections.
By neglecting to establish a minimum staffing requirement for infection preventionists in nursing homes, CMS perpetuates the status quo, putting both residents and workers at risk.
Established in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) stands as the foremost association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With over 15,000 members, APIC champions the advancement of infection prevention and control through research, advocacy, patient safety, education, credentialing, certification, and the nurturing of the infection prevention and control workforce. In collaboration with our members and partners, we tirelessly work towards a safer world through the prevention of infections.