New JCAHO
Infection Control Standard
[Posted
6/15/06]
In order to maintain Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations (JCAHO) accreditation, institutions
must now offer influenza vaccinations to staff,
volunteers, and licensed independent practitioners
with close patient contact. The new standard,
effective January 1, 2007, is a requirement for the
Critical Access Hospital, Hospital, and Long Term
Care programs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
has recommended annual influenza vaccination for
healthcare workers since 1981 and the 2006
Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory
Committee (HICPAC), together with the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), calls
for stronger action to increase the vaccination of
healthcare workers (HCWs). Despite the repeated
recommendations, vaccination rates as measured by
the CDC remain low—less than 40% of healthcare
workers are immunized each year. JCAHO developed the
standard in response to CDC’s recommendations.
Influenza causes 36,000 deaths and over 200,000
hospitalizations annually in the United States.
Infections due to unvaccinated healthcare workers
and transmission of influenza by or among HCWs have
been documented among many patient populations in
various clinical settings. Understandably, the CDC
has made reduction of influenza transmission from
HCWs a top priority in the United States.
JCAHO accredited organizations will be required to:
-
create an annual influenza
vaccination program that includes, at a minimum, the
staff and licensed independent practitioners;
-
provide access to on-site
influenza vaccinations;
-
educate staff and licensed
independent practitioners regarding diagnosis,
transmission, and potential impact of influenza;
-
institute prevention measures
including both flu vaccination and non-vaccine
control measures (such as the use of appropriate
precautions);
-
evaluate vaccination rates and
reasons for non-participation in the organization’s
immunization program every year; and
-
improve the existing program
to increase participation.
Related Link:
News Release
Return to News
Summary Page:
Occupational Health News & Analysis