What must nursing homes have to ensure proper infection control?

A nursing home must have an infection control program with established policies and procedures to effectively manage and prevent infections among residents, staff, and visitors. This program is essential because nursing homes are environments where vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems, reside.

Infection control programs typically encompass a variety of critical components, including guidelines for hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), protocols for isolating infected individuals, procedures for cleaning and disinfecting, and processes for surveillance and reporting of infections. Having a well-defined program ensures that all staff members are aware of their responsibilities and the correct measures to take in order to minimize infection risks.

This approach not only helps in preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases but also promotes a culture of safety and health within the facility. Additionally, such programs must comply with federal and state regulations, which outline the standards nursing homes must meet regarding infection prevention and control.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, such as emergency procedures and therapeutic programs, do not specifically address the comprehensive needs of infection control necessary to safeguard the health of residents in a nursing home setting.