CMS Interim Final Rule Regarding Placement of Alcohol-Based Handrub Dispensers
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee published the Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings in October 2002 in which alcohol handrubs were recommended for use in healthcare facilities. At that time existing national fire codes as set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) permitted handrub dispensers in patient rooms, but prohibited their installation in egress or exit corridors.
On March 25, 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule adopting an amendment by the NFPA allowing for the installation of alcohol hand-rub dispensers in egress corridors. (Note: Local or state fire code requirements may differ from the national codes; therefore, facilities are strongly urged to determine requirements for their particular locale.) For additional information, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/firesafety/cmsRuling.htm
Alcohol handrubs are an important strategy for improving hand-hygiene practices by healthcare personnel, reducing healthcare-associated infections, and improving overall patient safety. CMSs new interim rule is an important step in improving access to alcohol handrub dispensers in healthcare settings. Healthcare facilities should continue to promote hand hygiene to prevent transmission of healthcare-associated infections.
Source: CDC
Tackling Health Care-Associated Infections: SHEA’s Bold 10-Year Research Plan to Save Lives
December 12th 2024Discover SHEA's visionary 10-year plan to reduce HAIs by advancing infection prevention strategies, understanding transmission, and improving diagnostic practices for better patient outcomes.
Environmental Hygiene: Air Pressure and Ventilation: Negative vs Positive Pressure
December 10th 2024Learn more about how effective air pressure regulation in health care facilities is crucial for controlling airborne pathogens like tuberculosis and COVID-19, ensuring a safer environment for all patients and staff.
Revolutionizing Hospital Cleanliness: How Color Additives Transform Infection Prevention
December 9th 2024Discover how a groundbreaking color additive for disinfectant wipes improved hospital cleanliness by 69.2%, reduced microbial presence by nearly half, and enhanced cleaning efficiency—all without disrupting workflows.
Splash Pads and Waterborne Disease Outbreaks: A 25-Year Perspective Introduction
December 5th 2024A CDC report reveals 25 years of splash pad-linked waterborne outbreaks, highlighting risks from pathogens like Cryptosporidium. Prevention requires better hygiene, water treatment, and public health strategies.
