MRSA policy

[Kimmyjc]

We have an MRSA policy instituted, however, I just noticed that it states to contact the CDC regarding when the resident is no longer infected. I haven't been able to find these criteria, I've been all over their guidelines. Do any of you have this in your policies? Thanks alot, Kim.

[squaw nurse]

Never heard of this before Kimmyjc. It's not in our P&P.

[Talino]

Your policy appears to be very vague or poorly thought out (a short cut?). You don't contact CDC to determine whether a resident is still infected or not. You do need to review the CDC guidelines before you write a policy.

Our policy (re: whether a resident is still infected or not) is to do a culture when a resident appears asymptomatic or after the course of treatment. Then repeated again after 24 hours (that is, 2 cultures at 24 hr. interval).

Here's a good link in developing a policy about MRSA in LTCFs (needs an Acrobat reader to open)....

http://www.shea-online.org/pdfs/AbxR-LTCF96.PDF

_____________________ :)

[oldfolksnurse]

Never heard of contacting the CDC for the resolution of MRSA. We do have a list of diseases/conditions that have to be reported to the County Health Department immediately or within one week, but MRSA is not one of the listed conditions.

[matt033174]

I think CDC would laugh at you if you called them on a MRSA. Our policy is like some of the others 2 cultures from an infected site 4 hours apart showing neg. We also have to show a neg nasal swab from the same patient to confirm no colonization.