LeadingAge has heard state survey agencies have threatened to survey
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) enhanced barrier precautions. We have reconfirmed with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as recently as January 31, that CMS has not given directive or guidance to state survey agencies to survey enhanced barrier precautions.

Nonetheless, LeadingAge has brought the issue to our partners at CDC and suggested targeted outreach to state survey agencies to ensure the surveyors understand CDC’s intent with this guidance. For example, clarifying that CDC considers certain care activities such as hair brushing and transfers as “high contact” (and therefore warranting enhanced barrier precautions) only when bundled with other care activities, such as during morning and evening care.

CDC agreed to discuss internally and with the CMS liaison to identify opportunities for education. LeadingAge will stay on this and keep members apprised.