Members can save $50 on AHCA/NCAL’s popular
Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) by using
promo code IPCO2021 at checkout through October 31, 2021. This training is on recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings.
AHCA has long recommended that each skilled nursing facility train at least two Infection Preventionists through
AHCA’s IPCO training program should one Infection Preventionist leave the facility or be unavailable. On a May 13, 2020, nationwide conference call for nursing homes, CMS also recommended that skilled nursing facilities have two Infection Preventionists for the same reasons.
IPCO Version 2 is designed to train Infection Preventionists and is approved for 25 ANCC contact hours. The online course also is approved for 22 NAB CEUs for Administrators. AHCA/NCAL recognizes Administrators will not serve as designated Infection Preventionists but recommends that Administrators consider taking the course to gain a deeper understanding of infection prevention and control in the overall operation of a nursing facility as this remains a high target area for survey and liability. The course also is recommended for clinical leaders in assisted living communities.
Phase III Requirements of Participation took effect November 28, 2019 and mandate that every nursing facility have a designated and specially trained Infection Preventionist who is running a comprehensive infection prevention and control program.
IPCO Version 2 includes:
- Updated regulatory requirements and added course content, including:
- Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP)
- Candida Auris
- Water management
- COVID-19
- Bonus Content – All persons who register for IPCO Version 2 receive additional non-CE approved content. Topics include Interim COVID-19 Guidance, and courses on PPE and N-95 mask use.
One-hundred percent of the individuals who completed the IPCO course so far in 2021 reported that they intended to apply their new knowledge and make changes at their facilities, and 100 percent also said they believed they were better equipped to implement policies and procedures to mitigate infections. A full 99 percent say they would recommend the training to others.
The registration fee is $400 for AHCA/NCAL members and $600 for non-members through October 31 by using
promo code IPCO2021 when registering. There are no refunds and no transfers. Registrants have one year to complete the course. Payment and registration are made online at
ahcancalED. Discounted group purchase rates are available for groups of 25 or more by contacting
educate@ahca.org.
Note that while CDC/CMS does offer a free infection prevention training course, AHCA’s IPCO training is far more comprehensive and includes updated information that is taught by experts with real-life practical long term care experience.
Members will need to login with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords to
register for IPCO Version 2. For assistance obtaining usernames and passwords, members should e-mail
educate@ahca.org with their name and facility contact information.