As recent cases of measles outbreaks emerge in multiple states, concerns about the health and safety of nursing home residents and staff are growing. Understanding residents’ rights and facility responsibilities around infection prevention and control is critical to promoting the well-being of all those living and working in a facility.
Nursing homes are responsible for establishing an infection prevention and control program to prevent, recognize, and control the onset and spread of communicable diseases and infections among residents, staff, and visitors. Such a program must include, at a minimum, a system of monitoring to identify possible infections or infectious diseases; reporting of incidents; precautions to be followed to prevent spread of infectious diseases; whether, when, and how separating or cohorting residents should be employed; and hygiene procedures to be followed by staff involved in direct resident contact. The facility must also designate a qualified Infection Preventionist who is responsible for implementing and overseeing its infection prevention and control program.
To make informed decisions about their care and well-being, residents and their representatives need to be informed about any communicable disease or infection identified in the facility – how it is transmitted, symptoms, available vaccines or treatments; and about the facility’s infection prevention and control program and how it is being implemented. Either individually, or as part of a Resident Council or Family Council, healthcare providers, Facility Administrators, Directors of Nursing, and/or Infection Preventionist should discuss these issues with residents and their families
Measles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. The CDC recommends that persons who do not have “presumptive evidence of immunity” to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) should get vaccinated.
Evidence of measles immunity is based on birth year and what type of vaccine was available at that time. People born before 1957 are likely immune due to probable exposure to measles. People born after 1989 who have received the MMR vaccine are typically fully vaccinated and do not need a booster. People born after 1957 but before 1989 may need a booster to ensure full immunity. Residents and their representatives are encouraged to discuss their health status and whether they need a vaccine or booster with their healthcare professional. For more information, see these 60-second videos by the American Medical Association, All about the Measles and Do I need a measles booster.
If residents have trouble accessing their medical information, problems receiving assistance from the nursing home, or problems connecting with their healthcare provider, they should contact their local long-term care ombudsman for help. The ombudsman is an advocate for individuals residing in long-term care facilities and helps to resolve problems. All calls to the ombudsman are confidential and free. Locate the local long-term care ombudsman program.
