What’s happening: A new nationwide initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination...
Read More
Now is a good time for long term and post-acute care providers to prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season. With the triple threat of...
Read More
The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. These vaccines are specifically formulated to target currently circulating variants, which have...
Read More
AHCA’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically tailored to...
Read More
What to know: Chapter 7 – Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities of the State Operations Manual (SOM) outlines how...
Read More
Join the Long Term Care Data Cooperative! The cooperative is a national effort to improve the care of post-acute and long term care residents, and to...
Read More
IPC 101 for AL: With emerging communicable diseases, including multidrug resistant organisms, it is important for assisted living (AL) team members to understand standard, contact,...
Read More
What’s new: DSS has announced a new infection prevention and control education curriculum available for assisted living facilities. The curriculum is hosted on the CDC TRAIN platform. This...
Read More
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), the perfect time to plan for your facility's upcoming RSV, COVID-19 and influenza vaccination efforts. Use this month...
Read More
Heading into the fall respiratory virus season, providers can still obtain free COVID-19 tests through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Abbott...
Read More
What’s new: DSS has announced a new infection prevention and control education curriculum available for assisted living facilities. The curriculum is hosted on the CDC...
Read More
What’s happening: With emerging communicable diseases, including multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs), it is important for assisted living team members to understand standard, contact, and airborne...
Read More
What to know: AHCA/NCAL has highlighted which questions were updated when the CDC posted the May 20 changes to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on...
Read More
AHCA is hosting a member-only webinar with a panel of experts from the CDC (including Dr. Bola Ogundimu, Dr. Kara Jacobs Slifka; and Dr. Heather Jones)...
Read More
What’s new: A May 20 update to the CDC webpage on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes addresses questions about...
Read More
What’s happening: The DSS Infection Prevention and Control Team is hosting a webinar on May 23 at 10:00 am on the use of the infection...
Read More
What’s new: As of May 1, 2024, hospitals are no longer required to report Hospital Respiratory Pathogen, Bed Capacity, and Supply Data (commonly referred to...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically tailored to...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
Read More
As previewed by Tara Davis at last week’s Assisted Living Symposium, DSS has announced the delivery of the infection prevention and control train-the-trainer resource binder...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
Read More
AHCA/NCAL offers two great program designed for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control (IPC) in all long term care settings. The Infection Preventionist Specialized...
Read More
What’s new: The CDC has a suite of tools and resources to assist nursing homes with implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) as outlined in the recent CMS...
Read More
What’s new: This week CMS issued QSO-24-08-NH regarding the implementation of enhanced barrier precautions (EBPs) in nursing homes to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
Read More
After the CDC updated its guidance for respiratory viruses in community settings, DSS issued a memo on March 7, 2024, with recommendations for Virginia assisted...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preparatory course and exam....
Read More
What’s happening: The CDC endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated...
Read More
What’s new: On March 1, 2024, the CDC issued updated guidance for respiratory viruses in community settings. The CDC’s goal is to simplify its recommendations...
Read More
New webinar series: Health Quality Innovators (HQI), in collaboration with DSS is hosting a series of affinity group webinars designed to engage assisted living facilities (ALF) and adult...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is partnering with APIC and CBIC to offer a complimentary Long-Term Care Certification in...
Read More
New webinar series: Health Quality Innovators (HQI), in collaboration with DSS is hosting a series of affinity group webinars designed to engage assisted living facilities...
Read More
From VDH: The agency has issued a staff educational resource, a competency template, and a competency validation tool for safe glucose checks. The one-pager that...
Read More
A common misperception is that COVID-19 is no longer a serious virus, and some may even believe that it's less serious than influenza. While the...
Read More
CMS has shared guidance on vaccine billing. For flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines furnished on or after July 1, 2023, to patients in a Medicare...
Read More
Worth the read: AHCA/NCAL Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford offered words of advice and encouragement about overcoming vaccine fatigue hesitancy in a column he...
Read More
The CDC issued a Health Advisory for providers about low vaccination rates against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in all settings and populations. These low vaccination...
Read More
What’s new: DSS is developing infection prevention and control (IPC) training resources for providers. DSS will make a one-time distribution of the materials in early...
Read More
ICYMI: With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak...
Read More
What’s new: DSS is developing infection prevention and control (IPC) training resources for providers. DSS will make a one-time distribution of the materials in early...
Read More
With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak reporting...
Read More
For the first time, vaccines are available to help protect against severe illness caused by all three of the major fall and winter respiratory viruses—flu,...
Read More
What’s happening: DSS will host an educational webinar on auditing and monitoring of infection control practices on December 6 at 10:00 am. During the webinar,...
Read More
New resources: The CDC has released several resources for long term care providers to support their efforts on vaccines, treatment and infection control this respiratory...
Read More
What’s new: VDH Commissioner Karen Shelton issued a clinician letter providing updates on how to prepare for the upcoming season to help keep individuals healthy...
Read More
Check out the #GetVaccinated Toolkit’s best practices checklist to make sure you are prepared for vaccination season and achieve high vaccination rates. Remember, there are...
Read More
New resources are available on the #GetVaccinated website, including the latest “Frequently Asked Questions," “Vaccine Co-Administration in Long Term Care," and “Offering and Documenting Vaccines...
Read More
Coming up: This year’s U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is November 18-24, 2023. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate...
Read More
Save now: AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and is specifically...
Read More
Mark your calendar for the November 9 webinar, Strategies for Outbreak Prevention & Management and Staff Retention offered by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) in partnership...
Read More
What’s happening: The DSS Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPCT), in partnership with Health Quality Innovators (HQI), will offer an educational webinar on October 24...
Read More
What’s new: DSS has revised the Direct Care Staff Curriculum, Chapter 2 Infection Control, to reflect the most updated information regarding infection prevention and control...
Read More
Respiratory season can be dangerous for individuals 65 and up and those with underlying health conditions. Elderly individuals residing in long term care facilities, both...
Read More
It’s time to talk with your patients about flu shots. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone six months and older. September and October are...
Read More
It’s time to roll up our sleeves. As we gear up for cold and flu season, the importance of vaccination has never been more evident....
Read More
What’s happening: Health Quality Innovators (HQI) has teamed with VDH to assist participating assisted living facilities and adult day care centers across the state to...
Read More
Sign up and save: AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care...
Read More
The CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to notify clinicians and caregivers about increases in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity across some...
Read More
Better Together: Partners in Prevention is the theme for the 48th Annual APIC Virginia Educational Conference on October 5-6. The Virginia Chapter of the Association...
Read More
What’s new: The CDC has developed an Antibiotic Resistance & Patient Safety Portal (AR&PSP), which enables you to explore and visualize data on antimicrobial resistance and...
Read More
As fall approaches, long term care (LTC) providers should be preparing to vaccinate their residents and staff against common respiratory viruses. There are three vaccines...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI-AR) Program is notifying long term care facilities (LTCFs) of an ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to soft serve ice...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI-AR) Program is notifying long term care facilities (LTCFs) of an ongoing Listeria outbreak linked to...
Read More
To promote and increase adult vaccinations, and celebrate August as National Immunization month, Health Quality Innovators (HQI) has launched the Your Health Can’t Wait, Vaccinate!...
Read More
What’s new: The CDC has released new resources to assist nursing facility staff with understanding the benefits of and implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBPs). This new...
Read More
ICYMI: The DSS Division of Licensing Programs developed a model Infection Control Plan Manual template for use by assisted living facilities (ALFs). This template allows...
Read More
VDH is sharing the slides, recording, and question/answers from a recent webinar on the latest CDC and CMS COVID-19 guidance for infection prevention and control...
Read More
Upcoming training: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program is hosting the IP Educator Roadshow offering a free, one-day training session for healthcare...
Read More
Newly updated: AHCA/NCAL’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term care settings and...
Read More
You are invited to a VDH webinar on June 14 from 12:00-1:00 pm covering the CDC and CMS COVID-19 Updated Guidance for Infection Prevention in...
Read More
CMS updated the Infection Control Critical Element pathway related to the end of the Healthcare Provider Vaccine Mandate announced May 31, 2023. The pathway was...
Read More
Area of focus: Even as the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended and some regulations have been rolled back, facilities still need to educate visitors...
Read More
What’s new: The CDC updated the interim infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel (HCP) during the COVID-19 pandemic At the bottom of the webpage,...
Read More
The Virginia IMPACT Echo Project is hosting a webinar series to engage a responsive community of practice for collaboration and communication around managing infectious diseases...
Read More
What you need to know: After more than three years, the federal public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic ends today, May 11,...
Read More
Get the latest on the VDH Updated Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO) Containment and Prevention Guidance during a May 5 webinar. Webinar objectives: Review CDC’s updated Containment...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare Acquired Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI&AR) program is hosting a webinar on May 5 at noon on its Updated Multidrug-Resistant...
Read More
Mark your calendar for the return of the DSS Lunch & Learn Series on April 12, 19, and 26 at 11:00 am. This series will present three different...
Read More
VDH update: Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. Parham Jaberi issued a COVID-19 Clinician Update dated April 5, 2023. The letter includes updates on COVID-19 reporting...
Read More
DSS announced the next installment of the comprehensive statewide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program through its partnership with VCU Gerontology CCE. The Developing...
Read More
VDH is warning of a concerning increase in cases of Candida auris (C. auris) and/or carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) in Virginia. All health care facilities across...
Read More
DSS has extended the deadline to complete the survey on assisted living facilities’ educational and training needs on infection prevention and control (IPC). Providers have...
Read More
What’s happening: VDH is offering nursing facilities and assisted living facilities the opportunity to apply for a one-time supply distribution of select infection prevention Facilities...
Read More
What's happening: DSS and VCU Gerontology have kicked off a new Lunch & Learn Series: Mentoring and Oversight of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Practices....
Read More
What’s happening: DSS requests that assisted living facilities (ALFs) complete a survey to determine your interest and gauge your educational training needs specific to infection prevention...
Read More
What’s happening: DSS requests that assisted living facilities complete a survey to determine your interest and gauge your educational training needs specific to infection prevention...
Read More
Training and competency testing staff members’ infection prevention knowledge and skill sets are critical steps toward minimizing the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19. AHCA/NCAL offers...
Read More
The CDC has released interim guidance for long term care and post-acute care facilities for the 2022-2023 influenza season. The CDC also provided its recommendations for influenza vaccines and...
Read More
NCAL Director of Quality Improvement Pam Truscott shares simple steps you can take to keep residents, families, and yourself safe during this cold and flu...
Read More
Targeting three key areas can help facilities prevent respiratory outbreaks this winter, according to the US COVID-19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha, MD, MPH. Ensure residents...
Read More
What’s happening: AHCA/NCAL is hosting a member webinar on December 9 at 3:00 pm focusing on practical steps facilities can take to prepare for the...
Read More
What’s new: The CDC’s Core Infection Prevention and Control Practices for Safe Healthcare Delivery in All Settings is now available. The CDC considers these core practices to...
Read More
Three great programs are on the calendar in December & January. Take a look and sign up today—deadlines to register and book rooms are coming...
Read More
What’s happening: DMAS is combining its exisiting managed care programs, CCC Plus and Medallion, to create a single identity for all members receiving services through...
Read More
The CDC has updated the guidance on the CDC Flu Web page to reflect new guidance on placement and testing when COVID-19 and influenza viruses are co-circulating....
Read More
What’s happening: US Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual observance that raises awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic...
Read More
What’s new: AHCA/NCAL has lowered the price on the Basics of Infection Prevention & Control in the Post-COVID-19 World facility subscription option. This 50-minute course...
Read More
Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Increases in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with...
Read More
What’s new: AHCA/NCAL has lowered the price on the Basics of Infection Prevention & Control in the Post-COVID-19 World facility subscription option. This 50-minute course...
Read More
Respiratory viruses are more common during the winter months. Increases in influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with...
Read More
Mark your calendar: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance Program is hosting a webinar on November 16, 2022 to review recent changes to recommendations...
Read More
Encourage residents and staff to get a flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine You can give flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time....
Read More
A targeted focus on basic infection prevention, particularly hand hygiene, is an excellent place to focus on patient/resident safety and boost infection prevention. Small but impactful...
Read More
What’s happening: The VDH Healthcare-Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance Program is hosting a webinar on November 16, 2022 on the updates to the Enhanced Barrier...
Read More
A targeted focus on basic infection prevention, particularly hand hygiene, is an excellent place to focus on patient/resident safety and boost infection prevention. Small but...
Read More
Sign up for the next session of the DSS and VCU Gerontology the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program. The November 2, 11:00 am session will...
Read More
The popular Infection Preventionist (IPCO) Specialized Training offered by AHCA/NCAL is on sale through the end of 2022. Use the training to prepare for Phase...
Read More
Sign up for the next installment of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program hosted by DSS and VCU Gerontology. The next session on Basic...
Read More
Sign up for the upcoming Lunch & Learn hosted by DSS and VCU Gerontology as part of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program....
Read More
Based on lessons learned throughout the pandemic, HQIN is offering a no-cost virtual review of participating nursing homes’ emergency preparedness plans. Reviews will focus on...
Read More
a 50-minute training on the basics of effective infection prevention and control suitable for all levels of staff members in skilled nursing and assisted living...
Read More
ahcancalED’s Infection Preventionist Specialized Training - IPCO Version 2 specially trains infection preventionists (IP) to effectively implement and manage an infection prevention and control (IPC)...
Read More
The next installment of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program is September 7 at 11:00 am. The webinar...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has created an FAQ guide on what you need to know about monkeypox. This resource is a follow up to the updated CDC guidance for...
Read More
What’s new: The CDC updated its guidance for infection prevention and control of monkeypox in health care settings. Recommendations were added on how to monitor exposed...
Read More
ahcancalED offers a 50-minute training on the basics of effective infection prevention and control suitable for all levels of staff members in skilled nursing and assisted...
Read More
HQI’s new Vaccine Champion Social Media Package can help your facility boost vaccine confidence by encouraging staff, residents, families and visitors to share their “why”...
Read More
The second personal protective equipment (PPE) webinar of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program is August 4. This...
Read More
The VDH infection prevention (IP) team supports facilities with onsite proactive infection prevention and control (IPC) assessments. You can request the non-regulatory assessments to assist...
Read More
COVID variants are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Training and competency testing assisted living staff members’ infection prevention knowledge and skill sets are...
Read More
The latest modules of the DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program cover Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The PPE Part...
Read More
In recent weeks, reports about monkeypox and Candida auris (C. auris) cases in the US have been released. It is important to have a basic...
Read More
Coinciding with a new report on antimicrobial resistance, the CDC has updated its guidance on enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) for all health care settings, including nursing homes. The...
Read More
DSS and VCU Gerontology CCE announced a new comprehensive statewide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program. Register to access the training platform and enroll...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL’s popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training teaches leaders how to implement and maintain a facility-wide infection prevention culture and includes COVID-19...
Read More
The CDC recently released a Nursing Home Communication toolkit to help nursing home health care professionals better communicate with residents and families on antibiotic treatment expectations. Pressure...
Read More
VDH is continuing the CDC-led multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) webinar series for healthcare professionals. The next webinar, “Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Skilled Nursing Facilities,” will be held on...
Read More
Did you know that VDH has eight regional infection preventionists (IPs) throughout the Commonwealth who are available to provide consultation and education on infection prevention...
Read More
The CDC has updated two health care infection prevention and control guidance documents, including: Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC;...
Read More
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...
Read More
DSS has extended the deadline for assisted living providers to respond to its survey on the educational and training needs of ALF employees on infection...
Read More
As part of a grant DSS received in partnership with VDH, DSS will provide essential infection prevention and control support to licensed adult providers throughout...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
VDH has made resources available from the September 23 CDC webinar on the containment of Candida auris (C. auris) and carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO). A second...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) aims to shine a light on infection prevention each year. This year’s theme is “Make Your Intention Infection Prevention” highlighting...
Read More
It’s flu season, and flu shots are the best way to protect your patients, yourself, and your loved ones. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone...
Read More
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 only recommended...
Read More
All Virginia long term care facilities are eligible to request a proactive onsite infection prevention and control assessment with VDH personnel. Visit the VDH Infection Control...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training includes COVID-19 bonus content. The training also teaches leaders how to implement and...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL offers two online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration....
Read More
HQIN has created the Pause for Prevention program, a free turnkey program to assist nursing facilities in ensuring all staff have a basic understanding of...
Read More
AHCA’s Infection Prevention and Control in the Post-COVID-19 World online course reviews how COVID-19 spreads, how to track and report the illness, and describes the...
Read More
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 (LTC)...
Read More
The latest VDH HAI High Sign newsletter, which is focused on important updates on healthcare-associated infections (HAI), includes reminders about the proper cleaning and disinfection of blood...
Read More
The latest VDH HAI High Sign newsletter, which is focused on important updates on healthcare-associated infections (HAI), includes reminders about the proper cleaning and disinfection...
Read More
If you missed the webinar this week on strategies for containing and infection control for Candida auris, a recording is now available. In addition, the...
Read More
The CDC is warning that Candida auris (C. auris) is a serious global health threat. We know this fungus is often multidrug resistant fungus and...
Read More
The CDC has issued a health advisory regarding increased interseasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity. The CDC recommends staff of long term care facilities should avoid...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training includes COVID-19 bonus content. The training also teaches leaders how to implement...
Read More
Mark your calendar now for VHCA-VCAL’s July 13 webinar on C. auris, which poses a particular threat to long term care residents and patients. Our panel...
Read More
Mark your calendar now for VHCA-VCAL’s July 13 webinar on C. auris, which poses a particular threat to long term care residents and patients. Our...
Read More
VCHA-VCAL is hosting a free webinar on July 13, 2021, at 10:00 am on multidrug resistant organism (MDRO) surveillance for Candida auris (C. auris) and...
Read More
State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver has written a clinicians letter on the rising cases of Candida auris, an emerging fungus that is often resistant...
Read More
The Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN), the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Virginia, has developed a variety of hand hygiene resources to provide...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) online training includes COVID-19 bonus content. The training also teaches leaders how...
Read More
The CDC and VDH are collaborating on Project Firstline, an initiative aimed at providing innovative and effective infection prevention and control training for all frontline...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has an online program in conjunction with Healthcare Academy® that incorporates a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration. The...
Read More
In Provider’s February issue, care providers share what COVID-19 policies have stood the test of time. In “Infection Control Lessons Learned,” clinicians say that new...
Read More
VCU is recruiting additional nursing facilities to participate in its no-cost training and mentorship program for the ECHO National Nursing Home COVID Action Network. The...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL's expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for assisted living nurses responsible for infection prevention and control. While designed...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has two online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills demonstration....
Read More
In QSO-20-31-All (Revised 01/04/2021), CMS has released updated guidance on the frequency of focused infection control (FIC) surveys as well as providing FAQs regarding health,...
Read More
The AHCA/NCAL Infection Control Certificate Program is designed for skilled nursing and assisted living staff and features two main areas. It’s a program that fully...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has a new online program in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®, AHCA/NCAL's Infection Control Certificate Program, which incorporates a digital competency platform to allow for...
Read More
The CDC has developed a flu vaccination toolkit to assist post-acute and long term care facility owners and administrators with improving vaccination coverage among their...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has announced a new Infection Control Certificate Program to provide targeted eLearning modules and digital competencies. Five eLearning modules that provide basic knowledge in...
Read More
The CDC updated the interim infection prevention and control recommendations for health care personnel (HCP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of the changes includes: Different options...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has two new online programs in conjunction with Healthcare Academy®. Both programs incorporate a digital competency platform to allow for documentation of live skills...
Read More
The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccinating by the end of October can be an important step with the...
Read More
With flu season approaching, the CDC has implemented two new features in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Long term care facilities will now be...
Read More
VHCA-VCAL joined more than 60 other entities from around the Commonwealth promoting the importance of getting a flu shot this year. The joint statement emphasizes...
Read More
In late August, DSS issued a memo stressing the importance of influenza vaccination for residents and staff in assisted living facilities (ALFs). DSS states that...
Read More
[caption id="attachment_102970" align="alignright" width="391"] Vaccine in vial with syringe. Vaccination concept. 3d[/caption] DSS has issued a memo stressing the importance of influenza vaccination for residents...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has released three new resources to help long term care providers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection Prevention and Control in the Post-COVID-19...
Read More
Next week the Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN) will host the second session in its Office Hour Series to help nursing facilities be infection control...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL’s expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2) is recommended for individuals responsible for infection prevention and control in all long term...
Read More
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...
Read More
The Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN), the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for Virginia, is hosting an office hours series to support survey readiness and help...
Read More
The emergence of COVID-19 has compounded the need for centers to have an effective infection prevention and control program. AHCA/NCAL’s new and expanded version of...
Read More
The emergence of COVID-19 has compounded the need for centers to have an effective infection prevention and control program. AHCA/NCAL’s new and expanded version of...
Read More
AHCA/NCAL has a new and expanded version of its popular Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO Version 2), and registration is open for the online training. Phase III...
Read More
VDH scheduled the COVID-19 webinar for assisted living, PACE, adult day and group homes for Friday, March 20, at 2:30 pm. (This webinar was previously...
Read More
VHCA-VCAL members met with Sen. Tim Kaine on for a virtual townhall on March 18 to discuss ways the senator could support nursing facilities and...
Read More
CDC issued guidance on March 18 on the use of masks, gowns and face shields including suggestions on what to do if in crises shortages...
Read More
Relias has launched How to Prepare for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Influenza: Free Training & Resources, a digital toolkit containing free resources regarding COVID-19 preparedness and...
Read More
VDH has rescheduled the COVID-19 webinar for assisted living, PACE, adult day and group homes from this afternoon March 18 to Friday, March 20, at...
Read More
Our website has been updated with the latest version of our COVID-19 Screening Toolkit – March 18, 2020 Revision. The updated file includes new information...
Read More
In a March 17, 2020 letter to adult program licensees, DSS noted it had reviewed guidance from the CDC in conjunction with AHCA/NCAL resources and...
Read More
News outlets across the state have been covering how long term care providers are protecting residents from the introduction of the coronavirus into their facilities....
Read More
April Payne, VHCA-VCAL vice president of quality improvement, was part of Gov. Ralph Northam’s press conference on March 11 to provide updates and discuss ongoing...
Read More
Our priority right now is to prevent COVID-19 from getting into nursing facilities and assisted living facilities and if it does get in, to prevent...
Read More
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a special edition of its Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) High Sign newsletter about Candida auris. The newsletter focuses...
Read More
Candida auris has been the subject of recent media stories based on a New York Times article. C. auris is an emerging yeast that can...
Read More