McKnight's Long-Term Care News Newsmakers Podcast with Amy Stewart

Infection control and regulatory compliance in long-term care facilities remain critical challenges as providers navigate the complexities of federal vaccine mandates and ongoing pandemic recovery. Amy Stewart, a nurse leader and specialist from AAPACN, highlights that while staff anxiety regarding mandates persists, proactive leadership and transparent education are essential for retention and safety. Facilities continue to face heavy scrutiny during surveys, with frequent citations occurring for fundamental lapses in hand hygiene, improper PPE donning and doffing, and inadequate cleaning of high-touch surfaces like glucometers. Beyond immediate infection protocols, the industry is shifting toward trauma-informed care and preparing for new MDS requirements such as health literacy. Effective root cause analysis and thorough internal investigations serve as the primary defenses against regulatory deficiencies, ensuring that facilities can protect residents while moving toward fully reopening to visitors.