Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBPs) are an infection prevention and control strategy used to protect nursing home residents from the threat of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In July 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance for the use of EBPs in nursing homes.

Newly released resources aim to assist nursing homes with EBP implementation. These resources may be customized to meet facility-specific needs:

• Pre-implementation planning tool: Use to develop a successful plan for the implementation of EBPs during high-contact resident care activities in nursing homes.
• Implementation observations tool: Use when conducting observations of health care personnel using EBPs during high-contact resident care activities as a part of auditing and feedback. Responses should refer to current practices.
• Observations tool summary spreadsheet: Use to capture and record observations during high-contact resident care activities in a nursing home as a part of auditing and feedback. 
  
• Template letter for nursing home leadership: Customize and share this letter introducing the use of EBPs to nursing home leadership.

Additional resources

• View the CDC webinar and slides on implementation and use of EBPs in nursing homes.
• Review a summary of EBP guidance updates from DHS.

Questions

• Consult with your Regional Infection Preventionist for questions related to EBPs.

Contact your Division of Quality Assurance Regional Field Operations Director (RFOD) for questions related to the regulatory or survey process.