Long-term Care Annual Infection Risk Assessment: A Strategic Approach to Infection Prevention

Monday, June 16, 2025

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM MST

Location: North Room 127

CE: 1

Presenter(s)

Melissa R. Travis, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

Infection Preventionist
IP&C Consulting, LLC
Thompsons Station, Tennessee

Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display

Moderator(s)

Ellen Taylor, PhD, AIA, MBA, EDAC (she/her/hers)

Vice President for Research
The Center for Health Design
New York, New York

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Session Description: Conducting an annual infection risk assessment is a foundational element of an effective infection prevention and control program in long-term care (LTC) settings. This session will explore a practical and strategic approach to conducting risk assessments that align with regulatory expectations, facility-specific risks, and emerging infectious disease threats.

Through case studies and real-world examples, participants will learn how to gather and analyze data, engage interdisciplinary teams, prioritize infection risks, and develop action plans to address identified vulnerabilities. Emphasis will be placed on using the assessment to drive performance improvement activities and meet CMS, CDC, and Joint Commission standards. This session is ideal for infection preventionists, quality leaders, and administrators looking to strengthen their infection control programs and ensure safer outcomes for residents and staff alike.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the key components and regulatory requirements of an annual infection risk assessment in long-term care settings.
Analyze internal and external data sources to identify and prioritize infection risks specific to their facility.
Apply a structured process for conducting a comprehensive infection risk assessment, including stakeholder engagement and documentation best practices.
Develop an action plan based on assessment findings to inform the infection prevention and control plan for the upcoming year.
Evaluate how risk assessment findings can be used to drive performance improvement and compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.