Comprehensive Water Management for Legionella Risk Reduction

In 2022, CMS issued guidance to surveyors under F880 (Infection Control), emphasizing that facilities are expected to implement comprehensive water management programs. These programs are essential for ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in facility water systems.

All healthcare facilities have complex water systems that, if not properly maintained, can support the growth of harmful pathogens. For this reason, CMS emphasizes the importance of nursing homes implementing effective water management programs to limit the growth and spread of Legionella and other opportunistic plumbing-related pathogens within their facilities.

This session will focus on the responsibilities of nursing facilities in managing water systems and preventing Legionnaires’ disease. An effective healthcare water management program identifies potential hazards and defines control measures to mitigate risk. This session will review the critical elements of a compliant water management program and provide guidance on meeting the requirements of F880 (Infection Control).

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 the CMS requirements and Appendix PP – F880 Infection Control expectations and how to prepare and mitigate a water management outbreak and what to do in response.

Continuing Education Information

Nurses: The Kansas Healthcare Association is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.  This offering is approved for 1.5 contact hours applicable for RN and LPN relicensure (KSBN LT0030-0338)

Administrators: This course offering is approved for 1.5 continuing education clock hours for the Kansas licensed adult care home administrators by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.  KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing Approved Sponsorship number:  LTS-A0001.

Operators: This course offering is approved for 1.5 continuing education clock hours for Kansas registered operators in the core area of Resident Care by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.  KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing Approved Sponsorship number:  LTS-A0001.

Social Workers: This course is approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education for Kansas licensed Social Workers by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.  Approval number: 17-006.

Dietitians: This course is approved for up to 1.5 continuing education clock hours for each webinar for Kansas Licensed Dietitians by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. KDADs Health Occupations Credentialing Approved Sponsorship Number: LTS-A0002.

Certificates of Attendance and CE's will be provided to those that complete a registration and the follow up attendance verification form. Webinar log in information will be provided prior to the webinar.