CMS Memo: QSO-24-08-NH: Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes to Prevent Spread of Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDROs)

Memorandum Summary

  • CMS is issuing new guidance for State Survey Agencies and long term care (LTC) facilities on the use of enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) to align with nationally accepted standards.
  • EBP recommendations now include use of EBP for residents with chronic wounds or indwelling medical devices during high-contact resident care activities regardless of their multidrug-resistant organism status.
  • The new guidance related to EBP is being incorporated into F880 Infection Prevention and Control.

Please see the full memo for complete details at https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/quality-safety-oversight-general-information/policy-memos-states/enhanced-barrier-precautions-nursing-homes-prevent-spread-multidrug-resistant-organisms-mdros.

If you have questions regarding implementing EBP in your long-term care facility, please contact the Healthcare-Associated Infections/ Antimicrobial Resistance program at 573-751-6113.