Lawrence PMMA scores perfect on focused infection control survey

Lawrence Presbyterian Manor earned a zero-deficiency survey for a focused infection control survey conducted July 1 on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Zero deficiencies means Lawrence Presbyterian Manor met all the standards for infection control in the community’s health care neighborhood.

CMS announced in March that all nursing homes would receive a focused infection control survey by July 31, 2020, delaying annual surveys in an effort to ensure nursing homes were prepared to respond to the threat of disease caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Senior living communities are surveyed annually by their licensing agency for compliance of regulations established by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and CMS. These regulations are designed to ensure a standard of care is met. By meeting these standards, senior living communities are able to renew their licenses and continue to provide care.

Focused infection control surveys hone in on a nursing facility’s adherence to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and CMS guidance for infection control practices to prevent disease at the community. Communities are assessed on staff and resident education on hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, cleaning, screening of employees and residents, effective transmission-based precautions, proper use/discarding of personal protective equipment and signage at entrances and resident rooms. It also examines the facility’s policies and emergency preparedness related to a pandemic or outbreak.

“Our employees go above and beyond every day in meeting the needs of our residents while adhering to strict infection control practices,” said Christie Patrick, executive director. “These survey results affirm our employees’ commitment to providing quality senior care and services based on Christian values.”

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