Parsons Presbyterian Manor scores perfect infection control survey

After experiencing a new outbreak of COVID-19 at the community, Parsons Presbyterian Manor has earned its second zero-deficiency survey rating for a focused infection control survey conducted on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The focused infection control surveys hone in on a nursing facility’s adherence to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and CMS guidance for infection control practices to prevent disease at the community. Communities are assessed on staff and resident education on hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, cleaning, screening of employees and residents, effective transmission-based precautions, proper use/discarding of personal protective equipment and signage at entrances and resident rooms. It also examines the facility’s policies and emergency preparedness related to a pandemic or outbreak.

CMS is conducting surveys in communities experiencing outbreaks to determine if there are ways the community can tighten infection control practices.

A survey was conducted at Parsons Presbyterian Manor December 10 and no deficiencies were found. Zero deficiencies means Parsons Presbyterian Manor met all the standards for infection control in the community’s health care neighborhood.

“A zero-deficiency survey is always something to celebrate,” said Maegen Pegues, executive director. “In the middle of fighting this pandemic, it’s reassuring to know that you are doing everything you can to protect the residents and staff from an infection control perspective.”

CMS announced in March that priority would be given to focused infection control surveys and annual surveys would be delayed in an effort to ensure nursing homes were prepared to respond to the threat of disease caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Parsons had zero deficiencies on a survey conducted in June.

Senior living communities are surveyed annually by their licensing agency for compliance of regulations established by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and CMS. These regulations are designed to ensure a standard of care is met. By meeting this standard, senior living communities are able to renew their licenses and continue to provide care.

Parsons Presbyterian Manor is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), or life plan community, offering independent living, assisted living, long-term health care and short-term rehabilitation.

For more information about Parsons Presbyterian Manor, contact Maegen Pegeus, executive director, at mpegues@pmma.org or 620-421-1450.