AMS Infection Prevention Partners announced some big news last week - the formation of the Infection Prevention and Control in Long-Term Care Caucus, also known as the IPC-LTC Caucus. Its charter is to create meaningful federal policies to control infections in long-term care facilities nationwide and to protect seniors. It’s a win for everyone in the long-term care community and those of us who focus on infection prevention and control.

 

First, we want to thank the hard work, dedication, and commitment to this important cause by the Caucus chairs, U.S. Reps. Darren Soto and Gus Bilirakis. In an act of true bipartisanship, none of this would be possible without them. Soto is a Democrat from Florida’s 9th District, and Bilirakis is a Republican from Florida’s 12th District. Bravo to both for their commitment to seniors.

 

Here’s why the IPC-LTC Caucus is so important: Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 70% of long-term care communities were cited for infection control concerns, according to CMS. If there were any doubt for the need for major improvements in infection prevention and control, the pandemic exposed the critical need for increased IPC efforts to protect the 1.2 million seniors in LTC today.  Also concerning are the 60% of antibiotics that are unnecessarily being prescribed, accelerating the generation of “superbugs” that cannot be treated with today’s modern medicines.  

 

The IPC-LTC Caucus will work closely with the senior care industry, universities, healthcare innovators, regulatory agencies such as CMS and the CDC, and LTC associations to identify and target legislative opportunities to protect our country’s most vulnerable age demographic, while reducing the overall cost to taxpayers and the long-term care industry.

 

At AMS Infection Prevention Partners, we see the positive impacts of proper infection prevention and control efforts firsthand every single day, and its importance cannot be understated. We are thrilled about the formation of the IPC-LTC Caucus. What stands out to us is how much Congress is interested to learn from all of us; seeking our collective perspectives on this very serious issue. This Caucus will also be an education and learning platform and we are honored to be an active participant.

 

If you’re looking for more IPC support to further protect your seniors, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started tomorrow.

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