Legionella Updates
The following documents were supplied to us on June 13, 2017.
- The CDC just released “version 2” of their Toolkit & VitalSigns publications that were first released in June of 2016 – the message and advocacy are still very strong and clear that building owners have an ASHRAE 188 compliant “Water Management Plan” (or better) – w/this year’s focus and data, particularly on Healthcare Facilities. The VitalSigns document can be downloaded here: Legionnaires Disease – A Problem for Health Care Facilities!
The CDC Toolkit can be obtained from the CDC website. - AWT quickly responded to the CDC releases with its own press release of the CDC. Note that the CDC (now) specifically recommends contacting a “water treatment professional” for water management plan development – and not a “plumber.”
- ASHE also responded with an acknowledgement of the CDC focus on Legionella management in healthcare facilities.
- Perhaps the most significant event is the CMS update memorandum (effective immediately 6/2/17) that has very specific expectations/requirements for health care facilities receiving CMS funds to have a 188 equivalent water management plan AND “environmental testing for pathogens” (Legionella).
If you have questions or comments about any of the above information, please email us at: info@GetBIC.com.