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Ventilator-Capable Skilled Nursing Facility Infection Prevention and Control Collaborative

The Ventilator-Capable Skilled Nursing Facility Infection Prevention and Control Collaborative (vSNF IPC Collaborative) is a new initiative led by the Healthcare Associated Infections and Antibiotic Resistance (HAI/AR) Program at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to address the unique IPC needs of vSNFs. The goal of the Collaborative is to create a partnership between the HAI/AR Program and vSNF leadership to support IPC practices and prevent multidrug resistant organism (MDRO) transmission.

By participating in the vSNF IPC Collaborative, you will

• Connect with your peers at other vSNFs to share your experience, discuss challenges specific to your resident population, and collaborate with peers while discussing IPC practices.
• Have access to members of the HAI/AR Program and other subject matter experts to ask questions and receive individualized guidance.
• Collaborate with members of the HAI/AR Program when implementing IPC policies and provide feedback on proposed MDPH IPC recommendations.
• Receive educational materials and presentations tailored to your facility's needs.

To participate in the vSNF IPC Collaborative, please reach out to Stephen Moss, stephen.c.moss@mass.gov, for more information. We encourage anyone at your facility who is involved in IPC efforts, including, but not limited to, your director of nursing, assistant director of nursing, infection preventionist(s), administrator, respiratory therapists, environmental services, and medical director to join the Collaborative. All are welcome!

The HAI/AR Program also offers free, non-regulatory, and collaborative infection control assessment and response (ICAR) visits, where you will meet with an MDPH Public Health Nurse and Epidemiologist and receive an expert IPC consultation for your facility. Please email InfectionControlMA@mass.gov to schedule an ICAR visit for your ventilator unit.