Weekly Update

November 6, 2026

FDA Issues Warning Over Medline Long-Term Care Beds – per Provider Daily, November 2^nd

Medical Daily (10/30, Brooks) reports the FDA “is warning that all Medline-brand homecare, bariatric, and long-term care beds can overheat under certain conditions and may smoke, spark, melt, burn, or catch fire.” The company “first notified customers on Oct. 14 that it was removing the products. That notice told users to unplug beds, stop using electrical functions except in emergencies, and stop using all bed accessories, including side rails, according to the American Health Care Association.”  Read More

November is C. diff Awareness Month – per Fay Salzer email, November 2^nd

C. diff infections are down 21% — your prevention efforts matter

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), a germ that causes diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, can affect anyone. It’s estimated to cause more than 400,000 infections in the United States each year. C. diff infection can be life-threatening. Read More

GLP-1s Increasingly Common Among Nursing Home Residents – per Provider Daily, November 3^rd

According to Skilled Nursing News (11/2, Stulick), “GLP-1 medications are becoming increasingly common among nursing home residents as their use has quickly extended beyond diabetes and weight loss to address cardiovascular health, metabolic conditions and other chronic diseases.” However, the article adds, “weighing the risks and rewards associated with GLP-1 use among older adults is complicated by factors such as compliance and payment issues.”

Antimicrobial Resistance: Why Antibiotic Stewardship Matters – per The Compliance Store, November 3^rd

Making Every Prescription Count

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Report, providing updated estimates of the impact of drug-resistant bacteria and fungi in the United States. The report identifies 19 pathogens by threat level and estimates that these organisms contribute to approximately 9.7 million infections and 50,800 deaths annually. These findings reinforce the importance of preventing infections and preserving the effectiveness of available antimicrobial treatments.

For nursing homes, antibiotic stewardship is a key part of this effort. Residents are particularly vulnerable to infections and potentially serious complications. Unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic use can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug events, and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections.

Nursing homes can use the CDC’s findings and review the Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes as an opportunity to evaluate their existing antibiotic stewardship programs and identify areas for improvement. Are prescribing decisions supported by clinical findings? Are cultures obtained when indicated? Are the selected medication, dose, and duration appropriate? Once culture results become available, or the resident’s condition changes, is treatment reassessed to determine whether the antibiotic remains necessary or a change in therapy is warranted?

The Compliance Store offers antibiotic stewardship policies and supporting tools to help facilities establish consistent practices, clarify staff responsibilities, and reinforce appropriate antibiotic use. These resources can also support staff education and help leadership identify opportunities to strengthen the facility’s stewardship program.

Partner Alert: CDC Emergency Response and Situational Awareness Updates [ND] – per Juli Sickler email, November 3^rd

Below are updates on CDC’s public health emergency response activities and other information for your situational awareness.

Ebola Updates

• Ebola Disease: Current Situation | Ebola | CDC ─ As of October 31, 10,467 confirmed Ebola cases and 5,103 confirmed deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and one confirmed case has been reported in Nigeria. Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed nine Ebola cases and two deaths. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, case counts are expected to change as new information becomes available.

• Order: Requirement for Attestation by All Persons Traveling by Air to the United States | Port Health | CDC ─ After November 3 at 11:59 p.m. EST, all people boarding an international flight to the United States must attest (sign a statement on paper or digitally) that they have not been present in the DRC in the 21 days before boarding a flight to the United States. An attestation is a statement that confirms that the information provided is true. Willfully providing false or misleading information may lead to criminal fines and imprisonment (18 U.S.C. § 1001). Frequently asked questions are available on the webpage.

• Interim Guidance for Public Health Assessment and Management of Travelers from Countries Affected by the 2026 Ebola Outbreak | Ebola | CDC ─ On October 28, CDC updated the interim guidance to align with the current outbreak and epidemiologic situation. There are no major changes from the prior version. At present, CDC has not made any recommendations for travelers from Kenya or Nigeria. The revision primarily includes updated resource links and minor clarifications to the guidance. Please use the revised version for current reference and implementation.

Measles Updates

• Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC ─ As of October 29, a total of 4,852 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States in 2026, an increase of 264 cases since October 22. These include 4,834 cases reported by 47 jurisdictions and 18 cases among international visitors to the United States. There have been 43 new outbreaks reported in 2026, and 96% of confirmed cases (4,666 of 4,852) are outbreak-associated. Among confirmed cases, 96% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, and 11% have been hospitalized.

• Apply to Be a Fellow – CSTE Fellows ─ Applications are now open for the 25th class of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Applied Epidemiology Fellowship (AEF) program for both host sites and fellow candidates. Modeled after CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service program, AEF is a two-year, competency-based training program that places recent master’s- and doctoral-level epidemiology graduates in state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health departments to strengthen applied epidemiology capacity. Interested candidates and host sites can learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, and key deadlines on the AEF application webpage.

New for the 25th cohort, CSTE, with funding from CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, is introducing a new measles response subject area for fellow placements. These positions will have an expedited application and matching timeline to provide additional rapid epi capacity in STLT health departments supporting measles preparedness and response. In addition to supporting their host jurisdictions, fellows are expected to contribute to regional response and coordination efforts, strengthening cross-jurisdictional collaboration and epidemiologic capacity. Measles response fellows will be matched on a rolling basis, as host site and fellow applications are completed and reviewed, allowing jurisdictions to access additional epidemiologic capacity more quickly than the standard Summer 2027 placement timeline. For questions or more information, please email Amanda Masters at amasters@cste.org.

New World Screwworm (NWS) Updates

• Risk to People in the United States from the New World Screwworm Outbreak (2026) | CFA: Qualitative Assessments | CDC ─ CDC assessed the risk that NWS infestations, caused by the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, poses to the U.S. population. The current risk to the general U.S. population is very low, while the current risk to people in areas where NWS flies are present and people who spend prolonged time outside in those areas is low. Human cases may occur in the United States.

• USDA Confirms New World Screwworm Detection in Arizona ─ On October 28, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed a case of NWS in a dog in Cochise County, Arizona. This is the first detection of NWS in Arizona. Samples from the dog were tested and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. APHIS is working closely with the Arizona Department of Agriculture on a joint response.

Dengue Updates

• Current Year Data (2026) | Dengue | CDC ─ Preliminary 2026 data on human dengue cases reported to CDC by U.S. states and territories are provisional and subject to change. Due to delays in reporting, state, territorial, and local health departments may have more up-to-date information than is presented on the webpage.

• What Clinicians Need to Know about Dengue in the United States | COCA | CDC ─ A recording of the What Clinicians Need to Know About Dengue in the United States Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Call is available online. During the call, presenters discussed current dengue epidemiology in the United States and reviewed clinical features, diagnostic testing recommendations, and clinical management guidelines.

• Dengue Training Resources | Dengue | CDC ─ CDC provides training and resources for healthcare providers about dengue and its effective clinical management.

Respiratory Disease Season Updates and Reminders

• Respiratory Illness Season Toolkit | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC ─ This toolkit provides essential resources and communication materials to assist public health partners in effectively engaging with the public, healthcare providers, and their partners before and during the respiratory illness season.

• Respiratory Illnesses: Information for Health Care Providers | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC ─ This resource provides healthcare providers with up-to-date information and recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis, testing, treatment, and management of respiratory illnesses. It serves as a centralized source of clinical guidance.

• Multiplex Tests to Detect Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV | Influenza (Flu) | CDC ─ Multiplex testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV can help identify these infections and guide antiviral treatment decisions for influenza and COVID-19, as well as other clinical management and prevention measures.

• Clinical Guidance for Outpatients with Acute Respiratory Illness at Higher Risk of Severe COVID-19 and/or Influenza | Influenza (Flu) | CDC ─ This resource includes guidance for patients with acute respiratory illness seen in an outpatient clinic or emergency department who do not require hospital admission. This guidance is based upon local public health surveillance data and testing at local healthcare facilities.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Updates

• CDC recommends that people exposed to sick animals are monitored for symptoms of avian influenza A(H5) and offered testing and antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis as appropriate.

• CDC encourages health departments to continue coordinating with state and local animal health agencies to prevent human infections of avian influenza.

• More information about avian influenza is available on CDC’s website at gov/bird-flu, including recommendations for preventing bird flu infections, as well as specific information for backyard flock owners, hunters, and bird hobbyists.

• Additional CDC resources include:
  • Clinical Guidance for Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection
  • Information for Workers Exposed to H5N1 Bird Flu
  • Reducing Exposure for Workers to Avian Influenza A Viruses
  • H5N1 Informational Videos | Bird Flu | CDC

Other Updates

• HHS Seeks Experts to Help Strengthen the Nation’s Health Preparedness | ASPR ─ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), is seeking applications for subject matter experts (SMEs) to serve on two federal advisory committees. Selected SMEs will help inform the nation’s public health and medical preparedness, response, and recovery: the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) and the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters (NACCD). NBSB advises the HHS Secretary and ASPR on public health and medical preparedness and response, including infectious disease outbreaks and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. NACCD advises the HHS Secretary and ASPR on the medical and public health needs of children and helps strengthen all-hazards preparedness, response, and recovery for children and their families. HHS is accepting applications for membership on both committees through November 22, 2026. Individuals may nominate themselves for consideration. For eligibility requirements, nomination instructions, and additional information, visit the Call for Applications webpage.

Upcoming Meetings

• Monthly CDC Response All-STLT Update Call ─ Join CDC at 2:00 p.m. EST on Monday, December 7, to hear from SMEs who will provide updates on CDC’s emergency response-related activities. Time will also be allotted to answer questions about the topics presented.

If you would like to join this call series but have not previously registered, please complete a one-time registration using your work email address. You will receive a unique “join” link that should not be shared with others.

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) 2026 is coming soon – per Emily Perry email, November 3^rd

Join colleagues across the country in recognizing U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (November 18-24, 2026) through free webinars, continuing education opportunities, and a featured stewardship podcast. Please see attached PDF for schedule of events and links to register.

Don’t forget to wear PURPLE Nov 18^th in support of USAAW!

CDC COVID-19 LTC Archived Resources – per Jordan Taghon email, November 4^th

The CDC has archived several website pages regarding COVID-19 in the past few months.

SARS-CoV-2 Webpage Updates:

The interim recommendations for the type and duration of Transmission-Based Precautions for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including recommended personal protective equipment and duration of precautions, are now included in Appendix A of the 2007 Isolation Guideline under “Respiratory infectious disease, acute (if not covered elsewhere).” CDC is conducting a systematic literature review to reevaluate those interim recommendations and will share findings once the review is complete.

The following SARS-CoV-2 guidance documents will be archived:

• Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 | COVID-19 | CDC
• Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages | COVID-19 | CDC
• Infection Control Guidance: SARS-CoV-2 | Covid | CDC

To reflect these changes, the ND Department of Health and Human Services is archiving the LTC COVID-19 Recommendations document (which also included recommendations for BC, AL, and other congregate living settings) and removing it from the ND website as this document was based on those archived pages. CDC guidance for COVID-19 can now be found in a combined resource with other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, and is located here in a viral respiratory pathogens toolkit: Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes | LTCFs | CDC

At this time, CDC has not changed isolation precautions for COVID-19 and facilities should follow the guidance in Appendix A for residents with COVID-19.

Appendix A – Respiratory infectious disease, acute: Appendix A: Type and Duration of Precautions Recommended for Selected Infections and Conditions | Infection Control | CDC

Currently, there have been no changes to reporting to the NDDHHS or NHSN and should continue.

Nursing Home Fall Prevention Culture Changes Can Also Improve Organizational Performance, Experts Say – per Provider Daily, November 5^th

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (11/4, Lasek) reports, “When nursing homes change fall prevention culture, they create a symbiotic relationship in which better fall outcomes support both resident well-being and organizational performance,” according to comments made by compliance experts during the American Association for Post-Acute Care Nursing’s 2026 Quality Virtual Conference.

Explore Three New Infection Control Learning Modules from Project Firstline – per Provider Magazine, November 5^th

Build your infection control knowledge on your own schedule with three new e-learning modules from CDC’s Project Firstline. Designed for current and future health care workers, these interactive, scenario-based resources connect infection control concepts to everyday health care situations.

Members can explore the modules individually or complete all three as a learning series:

• Module 1: How Infection Happens in Health Care — A 30-minute introduction to how infections occur in healthcare.

• Module 2: Body Reservoirs — A 60-minute module focused on places in the body where germs live.

• Module 3: Healthcare Environment Reservoirs — A 60-minute module focused on places in the healthcare environment where germs live.

Continuing education—including CME, CNE and CEUs—is available for each module after registration, course completion, a passing post-test and a completed evaluation.

Teaching or supporting others? Explore Project Firstline’s classroom-ready resources to complement existing curricula and bring infection control concepts to life.

Questions may be directed to regulatory@ahca.org.

CDC Releases Updated Drug Resistance Report – per Provider Magazine, November 5^th

CDC has announced its 2026 update to the Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Report, highlighting the continued importance of preventing infections and improving antimicrobial use. According to the announcement, the report estimates that 19 bacterial and fungal pathogens cause 9.7 million infections and 50,800 deaths across the United States each year.

The updated report includes national burden estimates, threat classifications, a watch list of emerging pathogens, and downloadable educational resources. Members can use these materials to support leadership discussions and staff education about antimicrobial resistance.

The announcement describes updated national data rather than a new nursing home regulatory requirement or guidance. Members are encouraged to have their infection preventionist review the report and consider its findings alongside facility trends and state or local public health guidance.

Questions may be directed to regulatory@ahca.org.

CMS Proposes Cutting Numerous Emergency Preparedness And Training Protocol Measures – per Provider Daily, November 6^th

ModernHealthcare (11/5, Early, Subscription Publication) reports CMS is advancing “its deregulatory press in a draft regulation that would update the conditions of participation for federal health programs.” Published on Thursday, the proposal “would eliminate numerous emergency preparedness and training protocol measures from the Conditions of Participation, Conditions for Coverage and Requirements for Participation providers and suppliers must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.” The agency “is also soliciting feedback on other areas, such as expanding scope of practice for practitioners in long-term care facilities and helping critical access hospitals manage respiratory illnesses.”

(More information on this will become available in the weeks to come…)