In an effort to clarify issues for nursing facilities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) in Nursing Homes.

CDC originally created these FAQs to address questions about Enhanced Barrier Precautions as defined in the CDC guidance Implementation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Nursing Homes to Prevent Spread of Multidrug-resistant Organism (MDROs). The FAQs, which have been updated multiple times, include the definition and scope, application and duration, and implementation of EBPs.

Specifically, CDC revisions involved:

• Question 15: For which MDROs are EBPs recommended, if the resident does not also have an indwelling medical device or wound?
• Question 22: What is the definition of “indwelling medical device?”
• Question 23: The guidance describes that “all residents with wounds” would meet the criteria for Enhanced Barrier Precautions. What is the definition of a “wound” in relation to this guidance?
• Question 26: Is Physical or Occupational Therapy considered a “high-contact” resident care activity?

This most recent revision was published in June of this year, after a town hall meeting discussed its EBP recommendations, which were adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as infection control requirements this past March. Also during the meeting, CDC reviewed basic information about EBPs and took questions from participants. Answers to some of these questions are included in the revised FAQs.

Ultimately, the guidance and FAQs are designed to help facilities implement person-protective equipment to prevent the spread of MDROs.