Does the CMS memorandum QSO-17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs require hospitals to test their water systems for Legionella?

Does the CMS memorandum QSO-17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs require hospitals to test their water systems for Legionella?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in specific cases
• D. Only during outbreaks

Answer: (B)

The statement that CMS memorandum QSO-17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs does not mandate hospitals to test their water systems for Legionella is accurate because the memorandum outlines guidelines and recommendations for preventing Legionella growth rather than imposing specific testing requirements. The memorandum emphasizes that hospitals should have a comprehensive water management program to minimize the risk of Legionella and that conducting a risk assessment is critical. This assessment may identify the need for testing based on factors such as the prevalence of Legionella in the environment, patient population vulnerability, and the specific design and maintenance of the water system. However, it does not impose a blanket requirement for all hospitals to perform testing. Instead, it encourages facilities to develop appropriate policies based on their individual risk assessments and to document their policies related to Legionella management. This approach allows hospitals flexibility in how they address Legionella risks within their plumbing systems, focusing on tailored management strategies rather than mandatory testing for all institutions.

The statement that CMS memorandum QSO-17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs does not mandate hospitals to test their water systems for Legionella is accurate because the memorandum outlines guidelines and recommendations for preventing Legionella growth rather than imposing specific testing requirements.

The memorandum emphasizes that hospitals should have a comprehensive water management program to minimize the risk of Legionella and that conducting a risk assessment is critical. This assessment may identify the need for testing based on factors such as the prevalence of Legionella in the environment, patient population vulnerability, and the specific design and maintenance of the water system.

However, it does not impose a blanket requirement for all hospitals to perform testing. Instead, it encourages facilities to develop appropriate policies based on their individual risk assessments and to document their policies related to Legionella management. This approach allows hospitals flexibility in how they address Legionella risks within their plumbing systems, focusing on tailored management strategies rather than mandatory testing for all institutions.