CDC Recommends Nursing Homes Improve Antibiotic Stewardship, Releases New Resource

​The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising nursing homes to improve their antibiotic prescribing practices to reduce inappropriate use and protect residents from the consequences of antibiotic-resistant infections. To assist in this effort, CDC has released a new resource, Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes, which adapts the agency's Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs into practical ways to initiate or expand antibiotic stewardship activities in nursing homes. It provides examples of how antibiotic use can be monitored and improved by nursing home leadership and staff and includes a companion checklist that can be used to assess policies and practices already in place and to review progress on a regular basis.