This review examined environmental sanitation regulations in nursing homes (NHs) and AL communities (ALCs) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Infection preventionists and infection control training were more commonly required in NHs than ALCs, but still required in only about 30 states. Findings also show that regulations inadequately address environmental service workers, training, personal protective equipment, and the cleaning of carpets and high-touch items, which could pose significant health risks to residents and staff if regulatory gaps are not addressed.
Review of State Regulations Related to Environmental Sanitation in Long-Term Care Facilities
This review examined environmental sanitation regulations in nursing homes (NHs) and AL communities (ALCs) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Infection preventionists and infection control training were more commonly required in NHs than ALCs, but still required in only about 30 states. Findings also show that regulations inadequately address environmental service workers, training, personal protective equipment, and the cleaning of carpets and high-touch items, which could pose significant health risks to residents and staff if regulatory gaps are not addressed.
