Water management program implementation in California hospitals following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirement

Abstract

Health care facilities receiving Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursement were required to implement water management programs (WMP) in 2017. Among 263 (66%) California hospitals responding to questions in the National Healthcare Safety Network Annual Survey, approximately 92% reported having a WMP in 2018; 76% routinely monitored for Legionella in their water systems. High levels of WMP implementation are likely the result of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulatory requirements and widespread promulgation of CDC WMP recommendations.