The Nursing Home Infection Preventionist training made available by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has been renewed for another two-year period.

This free, 23-module training helps satisfy requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that nursing homes designate an individual to serve as Infection Preventionist who meets specific education and experience requirements and has completed specialized training in infection prevention and control.

Infection preventionists who have previously completed the CDC’s training course do not need to take it again; however, recall that CMS’s expectation as outlined in the Long-Term Care Surveyor Guidance is that the infection preventionist “should remain current with infection prevention and control issues and be aware of national organizations’ guidelines as well as those from national/state/local public health authorities (e.g., emerging pathogens).”

It is recommended that more than one individual working in the nursing home complete this or similar training to ensure coverage in the event of unexpected leave or turnover.