Antibiotic Stewardship
0

Antibiotic Stewardship

There were two important changes that took place when Phase Two of the CMS “Mega Rule” became effective on November 28, 2017: 1) limiting PRN psychotropic medication orders to 14 days and 2) implementing an Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) that includes an Antibiotic Stewardship Program.

Last month we discussed specific limits on PRN psychotropics. This month we will discuss antibiotic stewardship and what you must do to be compliant.

CMS requires facilities to establish an infection prevention and control program (IPCP) that must include, at a minimum, an antibiotic stewardship program.

The goal of the program is to optimize the treatment of infections while reducing the adverse events associated with antibiotic use. The program must include protocols for the proper use of antibiotics and a system to monitor that use.

ACTION ITEM: Have you enlisted the help of your consultant pharmacist in developing a program that is not only compliant with CMS guidelines, but is positioned to improve patient care and produce positive outcomes?

Any health, medical or drug information on the Web Site is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to be used, and you should not use it, as a substitute for obtaining professional healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor, a pharmacist or other qualified healthcare provider for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition.