AHCA has long recommended that each skilled nursing facility train at least two Infection Preventionists through
AHCA’s IPCO training program should one Infection Preventionist leave the facility or be unavailable. On a May 13 nationwide conference call for nursing homes, CMS also recommended that skilled nursing facilities have two Infection Preventionists for the same reasons.
IPCO Version 2 is designed to train Infection Preventionists and is approved for 25 ANCC contact hours. The online course is also now approved for 22 NAB CEUs for Administrators. AHCA/NCAL recognizes Administrators will not serve as designated Infection Preventionists but recommends that Administrators consider taking the course to gain a deeper understanding of infection prevention and control in the overall operation of a nursing facility as this is a high target area for survey and liability.
Phase III Requirements of Participation took effect November 28, 2019 and mandate that every nursing facility have a designated and specially trained Infection Preventionist who is running a comprehensive infection prevention and control program.
IPCO Version 2 includes:
- Updated regulatory requirements and added course content, including:
- Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP)
- Candida Auris
- Water management
- COVID-19
- Bonus Content – All persons who register for IPCO Version 2 receive additional non-CE approved content. Topics include Interim COVID-19 Guidance, and courses on PPE and N-95 mask use.
The registration fee is $450 for AHCA/NCAL members and $650 for non-members. There are no refunds and no transfers. Registrants have one year to complete the course. Payment and registration are made online at
ahcancalED. Discounted group purchase rates are available for groups of 25 or more by contacting
educate@ahca.org.
Note that while CDC/CMS does offer a free infection prevention training course, AHCA’s IPCO Version 2 training is far more comprehensive and includes updated information that is taught by experts with real-life practical long term care experience.
Members will need to login with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords to
register for IPCO Version 2. For assistance obtaining AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords, members should e-mail
educate@ahca.org with their name and facility contact information.