Does a health care facility need to develop a communicable disease control program approved by the Board of Nursing Home Administrators?

The assertion that a health care facility does not need to develop a communicable disease control program approved by the Board of Nursing Home Administrators is based on the understanding of regulatory requirements and the roles of different governing bodies. The Board of Nursing Home Administrators oversees the licensing and regulation of nursing home administrators, focusing on administrative practices and ensuring compliance with nursing home standards.

However, while it is crucial for health care facilities to have robust communicable disease control measures in place, such programs are generally guided by broader public health regulations and the recommendations of the local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rather than directly by the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. The intent of communicable disease control programs is to protect residents, staff, and the community by swiftly managing and preventing the spread of infectious diseases, which ultimately falls under public health jurisdiction rather than the specific oversight of the Board.

In this context, while having a communicable disease control program is essential for operational safety and health compliance, it does not require direct approval specifically from the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Instead, facilities are expected to follow established health protocols and guidelines relevant to public health standards.