Q:
We have a resident on Enhanced Barrier Precautions who will be staying at our facility long-term. Are there criteria for discontinuing these precautions at some point?
A:
It depends on why the Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) were implemented. For residents colonized with a novel or targeted MDRO, the CDC intends EBP to be used for the duration of the resident’s stay in a facility. The CDC does not recommend routine retesting of these individuals or discontinuation of EBP after a subsequent negative test. If the resident was placed on EBP because of the presence of a wound or indwelling medical device, a transition back to Standard Precautions might be appropriate once the wound heals or the device is removed.
Eleisha Wilkes, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-CT, DNS-CT
Clinical Consultant
Was this article helpful? Access weekly insights when you sign up for our weekly newsletter!