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Strengthening Infection Control in Nursing Homes: A Closer Look at F880

Infection control is the backbone of resident safety in nursing homes. Yet F880 (Infection Prevention and Control) remains one of the most frequently cited deficiencies across facilities. These citations aren’t just regulatory missteps; they point to real vulnerabilities that can lead to outbreaks, hospitalizations, and avoidable harm.

At Qsource, we support nursing homes in moving from reactive compliance to proactive prevention, helping staff build habits, systems, and accountability that sustain long after surveyors leave.

 

What F880 Covers - And Why It’s So Common

F880 requires that facilities establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program (IPCP) designed to provide a safe, sanitary environment and prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.

Common breakdowns that lead to citations include:

  • Inconsistent or incorrect hand hygiene practices
  • Improper use or lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Lapses in isolation precautions or cohorting
  • Environmental cleaning gaps (e.g., shared equipment not sanitized between uses)
  • Incomplete documentation or outdated policies

These issues often occur during routine care, medication passes, bathing, toileting, or even housekeeping, and reflect breakdowns in training, supervision, or systemic follow-through.

 

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The Hidden Cost of Infection Control Failures

When infection control systems fail, the consequences are broad:

  • Resident harm from preventable infections
  • Staff exposure and burnout due to unclear procedures or lack of PPE
  • Survey citations that can trigger Civil Money Penalties, denial of payment, or decreased star ratings
  • Reputational damage in the community and among referral partners

Even a single lapse can create a ripple effect. That’s why infection control isn’t a one-time initiative, it’s a core part of everyday care that must be supported, reinforced, and reviewed continuously.

Building Better Systems: What Proactive Infection Control Looks Like

Proactive facilities take infection prevention beyond policies and binders, they turn it into a living practice.

Key strategies include:

Regular Infection Control Audits

  • Observing hand hygiene and PPE use in real-time
  • Checking product availability and placement
  • Reviewing cleaning protocols and compliance
  • Using checklists to identify and address gaps

Staff Education and Real-World Application

  • Competency checks for new and existing staff
  • Role-specific training (e.g., dietary vs. nursing vs. housekeeping)
  • Reinforcing “why” behind the practice, not just the rule
  • Debriefs after outbreaks or near-misses to build shared understanding

Environmental Rounding

  • Structured walk-throughs that assess high-touch surfaces, equipment cleaning, and supply availability
  • Engaging frontline staff during rounds to identify what’s working, and what’s not
  • Using rounding as an educational opportunity, not just an inspection

 


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Qsource is Now Offering a Membership

Qsource's Quality Link Annual Membership provides skilled nursing facilities with exclusive trainings, built-in consulting hours, and CEU opportunities. Membership helps your facility stay compliant and deficiency-free!

 

How Qsource Helps Facilities Strengthen F880 Compliance

At Qsource, we help nursing homes develop infection prevention programs that stick, systems that are realistic, staff-driven, and responsive to current risks.

Our support includes:

  • Infection control audit tools and observation forms
  • Training modules for various staff levels, including CNA and support services
  • Coaching for infection preventionists and DONs on building accountability systems
  • Mock surveys and environmental rounds focused specifically on infection control
  • Guidance on tracking, trending, and responding to infection data over time

We don’t just point out problems, we work alongside you to create solutions that improve care, support staff, and reduce risk.

Elevating Infection Control as a Daily Standard

F880 isn’t just a box on a survey form, it reflects the quality and consistency of your infection prevention culture. When every staff member, in every department, understands their role and feels equipped to act, infection control becomes second nature.

At Qsource, we’re here to help you embed those habits, strengthen your systems, and protect your residents and staff, every shift, every day.

 

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