Infection Prevention and Control for Podiatric Care in all Healthcare Settings

A state wide Health Advisory was distributed on March 5th from Debra L. Bogen, MD, FAAP, Acting Secretary of Health related to all health care settings for podiatric care. The DOH is asking professional organization to help distribute this message. 

PPMA understands that our members may have questions and concerns and are provided an opportunity to provide you with an opportunity to voice feedback.

If in reviewing this information you wish to do so please provide your comments at the bottom of this page.

Download Infection Prevention and Control for Podiatric Care in all Healthcare Settings - Health Advisory

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) are advising podiatrists and persons practicing podiatric care to:

Immediately review and align practices with the CDC Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Podiatry Settings. This includes all settings where health care is provided, including long-term care.
Develop specific, written infection prevention and control policies to guide podiatric care, including the cleaning and disinfection of instruments between patients.

DOH and PDPH expect long-term care facilities (LTCFs) to follow applicable federal regulations, including Federal Regulations at 42 CFR 483.25 for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-regulated LTCFs, which requires that foot care and treatment be provided in accordance with professional standards of practice.

LTCF leadership and infection preventionists should:

Monitor and routinely audit the infection prevention and control practices of persons who provide podiatric care within their facilities, including contracted podiatrists.

Maintain facility-specific written policies that outline expectations and procedures for podiatric care provided by employed staff. Outline expectations for podiatric care contracted externally with a staffing agency or an individual provider.

To report outbreaks or unusual clusters of illness, or if you have questions about the information provided in this Advisory, please contact your local health department or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH. Questions or reports for PDPH should be made by calling 215-685-6748.

PPMA members may provide feedback that will reviewed internally.