Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP)
Definition: A facility-wide program designed to prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections, required under F-Tag 0880. Must include surveillance, outbreak management, antibiotic stewardship, and staff education.
In Practice
F0880 (Infection Prevention and Control) is consistently the most frequently cited F-Tag nationwide. Post-pandemic, CMS has significantly increased expectations for infection prevention programs. Every nursing home must designate an Infection Preventionist (IP) with specialized training.