| Monitoring Resident-Owned Electronics for Compliance | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Monitoring-Resident-Owned-Electronics-for-Compliance.aspx | Monitoring Resident-Owned Electronics for Compliance | | | | | 5/19/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Long term care facilities have numerous responsibilities when it comes to building components, systems, and equipment. Among these, ensuring the safety of resident-owned electronics is an important consideration. NFPA 99 (The Health Care Facilities Code®) provides clear guidelines for patient care-related electrical equipment (PCREE), but it also includes provisions for visually inspecting all nonpatient care-related electrical devices, including those owned by residents. This encompasses everyday items such as cell phones, chargers, tablets, radios, and alarm clocks, helping maintain a safe environment for everyone. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">A comprehensive policy that addresses the inspection of resident owned electronics will include inspection frequency, who conducts the inspection, and inspection criteria. NFPA 99 does not specify any of these items, nor does it include a specific inspection checklist. Some general best practices include inspecting for issues such as frayed cords, cracked casings, damaged plugs, and loose wires. The inspection is essentially focused on identifying any items indicative of an unsafe condition. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Electronics that do not have grounding conductors (three prong plug) are generally not permitted in resident areas unless they are double insulated. A device that is double insulated is identified by a double square symbol on the device itself, as seen in the images below. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Monitoring-Resident-Owned-Electronics-for-Compliance/Double%20Insulated.png" alt="Double Insulated.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div> </div><div><br> <img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Monitoring-Resident-Owned-Electronics-for-Compliance/Plug.png" alt="Plug.png" style="margin:5px;" /> <img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Monitoring-Resident-Owned-Electronics-for-Compliance/Timex.png" alt="Timex.png" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">In addition to having a policy, facilities should have a mechanism to inform residents, families, and responsible parties of the process for inspecting such items. While a visual inspection most commonly occurs at the time of resident admission, electronics that are introduced to the facility at other times must also go through the inspection process. Establishing that expectation and clarifying the process at the time of admission can help maintain compliance thereafter. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">One newer area to monitor is the introduction of items that include integrated charging ports and/or electrical outlets. These are becoming more common in items such as table lamps and even lounge chairs. Having an integrated USB charger should not be an issue since USB operates under low voltage. However, where there is an integrated traditional electrical outlet, it could be a concern. A surveyor could interpret the device to be similar to a power strip which could mean the requirements for relocatable power taps apply. These would be restrictive and likely limit the use of such items in a resident room or care area. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Ensuring life safety compliance is an important responsibility, and while it can be complex, having the right resources makes the process more manageable. A great starting point is obtaining a copy of the applicable codes and standards. The 2012 editions of both NFPA 101 and NFPA 99, along with all referenced codes and standards, are available for access and purchase at the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) website (<a href="http://www.nfpa.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">www.nfpa.org</a>). For additional support from AHCA/NCAL, please reach out via email at <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>. </span></div><p></p> | Long term care facilities have numerous responsibilities when it comes to building components, systems, and equipment. | |
| New AHCA Tool Helps Simplify Emergency Preparedness Compliance | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-AHCA-Tool-Helps-Simplify-Emergency-Preparedness-Compliance.aspx | New AHCA Tool Helps Simplify Emergency Preparedness Compliance | | | | | 3/21/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Disaster preparedness has long been an important function in the operation of a long term care (LTC) facility. To better assist LTC providers with developing and maintaining emergency preparedness programs while managing compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), AHCA has developed an emergency preparedness program self-assessment and resource tool called the <a href="/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/MemberOnlyDocs/EP%20regulation%20crosswalk%20Feb%202025.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><em>CMS Emergency Preparedness Regulations Crosswalk Tool</em></a>. Please note that this resource is available for AHCA members and requires a log in to access. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">This tool identifies each requirement applicable to long term care, provides key guidance from Appendix Z, and describes surveyor validation methods. It also includes a variety of useful web links that provide access to information and tools on everything from incident command to after-action reports. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">This resource aims to be helpful in a time when the focus on disaster preparedness has increased. In 2016, CMS established national emergency preparedness requirements for participating providers. The final rule addressed various components of emergency preparedness, including plan development, content, preparation, training, and testing. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_z_emergprep.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">State Operations Manual - Appendix Z</a> outlines the emergency preparedness requirements for 17 different provider types, including LTC facilities. It does not apply to most assisted living and independent living providers since they are generally state regulated and don’t participate in Medicare or Medicaid programs. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">There are 44 individual requirements outlined in Appendix Z, with 24 of them specifically applicable to long term care. Each requirement is provided with an “E-tag” designation (e.g. E-001). Appendix Z outlines the requirements, applicability, guidance information, and surveyor procedures for assessing compliance. Needless to say, digesting and applying the 108-page document can be a daunting task for any provider, and that is why AHCA has developed this resource to assist providers </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">AHCA is always available to support members with emergency preparedness questions by emailing <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a>. </span></div><p></p> | Disaster preparedness has long been an important function in the operation of a long term care facility. | |
| Updates on Vaccine Effectiveness | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Updates-on-Vaccine-Effectiveness-.aspx | Updates on Vaccine Effectiveness | | | | | 3/10/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Recently released <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/pdfs/mm7406-H.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">data</a> show that this year’s COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines both reduce the risk of acute respiratory illness and hospitalizations in older adults. Vaccine effectiveness of 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine was 45%–46% against hospitalizations among adults aged 65 years and older, compared with not receiving a 2024–2025 vaccine dose. This was based on data from two networks evaluating vaccine effectiveness, VISION and IVY networks, that collect information from hospitalized individuals on their vaccination status and the type of infections. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Interim 2024–2025 seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates were calculated from four American vaccine effectiveness networks. Among adults aged 65 years and older, vaccine effectiveness against any influenza-associated acute respiratory infections was 51% in outpatient settings. And it was 38% (IVY) and 57% (VISION) against hospitalization. As of February 3, 2025, testing for the strains of virus causing human infections found that they match with those strains covered in this year's vaccine. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Details of these studies, along with additional information on VE for children and adults can be found at <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/pdfs/mm7406-H.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">MMWR Feb 27, 2025</a>. </span></div><p></p> | Recently released data show that this year’s COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines both reduce the risk of acute respiratory illness and hospitalizations in older adults. | |
| Listeria Outbreak Linked to Supplement Shakes | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Listeria Outbreak-Linked-to-Supplement-Shakes-.aspx | Listeria Outbreak Linked to Supplement Shakes | | | | | 2/26/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">The </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/shakes-022025/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to supplement shakes. Many people in this outbreak lived in long term care facilities or were hospitalized before becoming sick. Currently, there have been 38 cases, 37 hospitalizations, and 12 deaths across 21 states</span><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":300,"335559739":300}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><em>Listeria</em> </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">is especially harmful to pregnant women, people 65 or older, and those with weakened immune systems. This is because Listeria is more likely to spread beyond their gut to other parts of their body, resulting in a severe condition known as invasive listeriosis.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":300,"335559739":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":300,"335559739":300}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Timeline</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":280,"335559739":80}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">On February 22, 2025, Lyons Magnus LLC (“Lyons Magnus”) announced a voluntary recall of 4 oz. Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes due to the potential for contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. These products were distributed throughout the United States. The top of the carton has a printed label identifying the Lot Code and Best By Date for these products. A chart of all recalled products is available on the </span><a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/lyons-magnus-recalls-lyons-readycare-and-sysco-imperial-frozen-supplemental-shakes-manufactured#recall-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">FDA website</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":300,"335559739":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":300,"335559739":300}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>What You Should Do</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":280,"335559739":80}"> </span></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Do not serve any recalled products to residents. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/communication-resources/clean-refrigerator-steps.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Clean</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> the refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products. Listeria can survive in the refrigerator and can easily spread to other foods and surfaces.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Call a healthcare provider right away if a resident presents with the following symptoms after consuming recalled products:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="o" data-font="Courier New" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1440,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="2" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, in addition to fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Visit</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> the Lyons Magnus </span><a href="https://www.lyonsmagnus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">website</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> for more information or contact them at </span><a href="mailto:%E2%80%AFfrozenshakerecall@lyonsmagnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">frozenshakerecall@lyonsmagnus.com</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div></div> | The CDC, FDA, and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria infections linked to supplement shakes. | |