Long-term care (LTC) facilities face a uniquely challenging infection control environment: residents are typically aged 75+, immunocompromised from comorbidities and medications, sharing close quarters, dependent on staff for ADLs, and concentrated in a setting where a single pathogen introduction can cause explosive outbreaks. COVID-19 exposed the devastating consequences of inadequate LTC infection control — nearly 40% of all US COVID deaths occurred in LTC settings despite representing <1% of the population.
CMS F-Tag 880: Infection Prevention and Control Requirements
F-tag 880 mandates that skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have an Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) with: a designated Infection Preventionist (IP) trained in infection control principles; policies addressing standard and transmission-based precautions; antibiotic stewardship program (ASP); influenza and pneumococcal vaccination programs; occupational health surveillance; outbreak investigation protocols; and environmental infection control cleaning standards. Deficiencies in F-880 are the most cited CMS survey finding — and immediate jeopardy (IJ) citations carry significant financial penalties. The 2023 CMS Enhanced Barrier Precautions guidance for MDROs (C. diff, MRSA, VRE, CRE) adds gown-and-glove requirements for high-contact care of colonized residents — beyond standard contact precautions. Our comprehensive PPE catalog includes CMS-compliant isolation gowns, nitrile exam gloves (the most evidence-based glove for infection control), N95 respirators, surgical masks, and face shields. Our medical gloves section includes gloves appropriate for both standard precautions and Enhanced Barrier Precautions care.
COVID and Respiratory Pathogen Preparedness
Post-pandemic CMS requirements include: testing protocols for COVID/influenza/RSV during respiratory illness season; staff vaccination tracking; visitation management during outbreaks; and cohorting capabilities for isolation. For outbreak preparedness, facilities need adequate PPE stockpile inventory — CMS recommends 30-day supply. Our respiratory section includes ventilator supplies and oxygen delivery equipment, and our patient care section supports comprehensive outbreak management supplies for LTC settings.
