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What's Up with Water Management & Legionella

In June 2017, CMS released a Survey and Certification Memo 17-30 (and updated it 2018) stating that healthcare facilities should develop and adhere to a compliant water management program. These water management programs help reduce the risk for Legionella and other pathogens in their water systems.

Healthcare facilities have complex water systems that may promote growth of pathogenic organisms if not properly maintained. For this reason, the CMS feels that it is essential that nursing homes have a water management program that is effective in limiting Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens of premise plumbing from growing and spreading in their facility.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, potentially deadly form of bacterial pneumonia. Infection results from inhaling water mists and aerosols contaminated with the bacteria, known as Legionella. The primary sources of infection are Legionella-contaminated water from showers, faucets, cooling towers, hydrotherapy pools and decorative water features such as fountains or water walls. The U.S. CDC reports a 300% increase in cases of LD diagnosed over the past 15 years. The fatality rate is 25% for people infected in a healthcare environment including long-term care and hospitals. Reducing the risk of LD is a winnable battle. According to the CDC, nine out of 10 (90%) outbreaks of LD are preventable through a water management program. 

Learning Objectives: 
  • Demonstrate why Legionnaire’s disease is a serious risk for long-term care facilities.
  • Describe and implement risk management and remediation strategies.
  • Understand CMS QSO-17-30 and Appendix PP – F880 and how to prepare and mitigate a water management outbreak and what to do in response.
Intended audience:  Infection Preventionists, optional for Administrators, Directors of Nursing, Maintenance Directors (or equivalent title).
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