Enhanced Barrier Precautions FAQ Resource

Posted on April 4, 2024 by Kari Everson

LeadingAge Minnesota has developed an enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) resource document that includes the topmost questions from members.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published QSO-24-08-NH requiring nursing homes to implement EBP for CDC-targeted MDROs, and MDH weighed in for assisted living settings.

EBP quick review

Enhanced Barrier Precautions are a set of infection prevention strategies that go beyond standard precautions. They specifically aim to reduce the risk of transmission of certain multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in nursing homes and other healthcare settings. EBP includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the risk of transmission and the type of resident interaction.

Criteria for implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions

Residents who require EBPs meet the following criteria, irrespective of their location within the facility:

• Infection or colonization with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-targeted multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) when contact precautions are not otherwise indicated.
• Presence of wounds and/or indwelling medical devices, even if no known infection or colonization with an MDRO exists.
• Facilities may determine when to apply EBPs for residents lacking chronic wounds or indwelling medical devices but are infected or colonized with an MDRO not currently targeted by the CDC.

For more detailed information, visit our new EBP resource. If you have questions, please contact Kari Everson.