CMS SOM App. B, Tag G686

The HHA must provide infection control education to staff, patients, and

caregiver(s).

Interpretive Guidelines §484.70(c)

The regulation does not specify the form or content of education regarding infection

prevention and control. However, in accordance with requirements under §484.60,

patients and caregivers must be provided with education and training specific to the

individualized plan of care. HHAs should also take into consideration the patient’s and

caregiver(s)’ health conditions and individual learning needs. The HHA should review

training information with the patient and his or her representative (if any), including

information on how to clean and care for equipment (e.g., blood glucose meters or

reusable catheters), at sufficient intervals to reinforce comprehension of the training.

Additionally, HHAs must provide infection control education to staff.

HHA staff infection control education should include the following:

• Information on appropriate use, transport, storage, and cleaning methods of patient care

equipment according to manufacturer guidelines/instructions for use;

• Job-specific, infection prevention education and training to all health care personnel for

all of their respective tasks;

• Processes to ensure that all health care personnel understand and are competent to

adhere to infection prevention requirements as they perform their roles and

responsibilities;

• Written infection prevention policies and procedures that are widely available, current,

and based on current standards of practice;

• Training before individuals are allowed to perform their duties and periodic refresher

training as designated by HHA policy;

• Additional training in response to recognized lapses in adherence and to address newly

recognized infection transmission threats (e.g., introduction of new equipment or

procedures);

• Infection control education provided to staff at periodic intervals consistent with

accepted standards of practice. Such education must be provided at orientation, annually,

and as needed to meet the staff’s learning needs to provide adequate care; identify

infection signs and symptoms; identify routes of infection transmission; appropriately

disinfect/sanitize/transport equipment and devices used for patient care; and use proper

medical waste disposal techniques. Such education must include instructions on how to

implement current infection prevention/treatment practices in the home setting.

Survey Procedures §484.70(c)

• Review the clinical record for evidence of patient/caregiver infection control

education pertinent to the patient’s condition and per the plan of care (see also

§484.60).

• Ask the staff what training they received in infection control. Based on interview

responses, follow up through HHA policy review and training records to ensure

evidence of compliance.