Last week the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an S&C 17-30 Medicare/Medicaid Legionella Requirement memo to State Survey Agency Directors regarding the prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD). This memo requires Directors to review policies, procedures and reports documenting the implementation of a Water Management Plan designed to reduce the risk of Legionella-influenced infections. The memo goes on to state:
“Healthcare facilities are expected to comply with CMS requirements to protect the health and safety of its patients. Those facilities unable to demonstrate measures to minimize the risk of LD are at risk of citation for non-compliance with the CMS Conditions of Participation.”
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Implementation of this new guideline is required to be communicated to all staff within 30 days of the release of the memo.
What does this mean for you?
This means that Healthcare Facilities (Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals and Long-Term Care facilities) that do not have an up-to-date, site-specific Water Management Plan as previously outlined by the CDC Toolkit and ASHRAE 188-2015, may be declared in “Immediate Jeopardy” by CMS.
Watertech Can Help
Watertech can help you outline a plan that ensures compliance. Watertech has worked with healthcare systems for over 35 years to help minimize risk and improve water safety for both patients and employees. At Watertech, our goal is to protect your bottom line while making water safety a top priority.
Learn More
To learn more or to request a free site assessment please contact us today.
414.425.3339
info@watertechusa.com