IN YOUR HANDS Proactive measures will protect patients and providers during the outbreak.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on Wednesday issued a series of updated infection control guidance documents focused on mitigating the transmission of the coronavirus. The recommendations, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, are designed to rapidly expand the capacity of healthcare systems to isolate and treat COVID-19 patients.

Guidance specifically related to outpatient surgery centers includes the screening of patients, restricting visitors and staff, and proper cleaning and disinfection practices. It also addresses issues related to supply scarcity and current FDA recommendations. CMS is encouraging outpatient surgery centers "to partner with others in their community to conserve and share critical resources during this national emergency."

CMS continues to post the latest updates to guidance documents related to the coronavirus crisis. Each document link includes the date on which it was updated. CMS says it will continue to monitor and review COVID-19's impact on clinicians, providers, facilities and programs, and update regulations and guidance as needed.