AHCA/NCAL's popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings. One-hundred percent of the individuals who completed the IPCO course in 2020 reported that they intended to apply their new knowledge and make changes at their facilities. A full 98 percent said they believed they were better equipped to implement policies and procedures to mitigate infections.
IPCO Version 2 is approved for 25 ANCC contact hours for nurses. The online course is also approved for 22 NAB CEs. While designed to train SNF Infection Preventionists, the training is equally effective for assisted living nurses because they care for a similar population and can face similar infection risks. AHCA/NCAL recognizes that assisted living directors and administrators don't typically serve in a clinical capacity, but recommends that they also consider taking the course to gain a deeper understanding of infection prevention and control in the overall operation of their communities.
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.
The registration fee is $450 for AHCA/NCAL members and $650 for non-members. 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 Version 2 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 AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords, members should e-mail educate@ahca.org with their name and facility contact information.