The Ohio Department of Health has finalized licensure rules for Residential Care Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities, significantly increasing expectations for these facilities to develop and maintain comprehensive water management programs. These programs are essential in reducing the risk of Legionella and other pathogens in facility water systems.

Healthcare facilities, including both Residential Care and Skilled Nursing, have complex water systems that, if not properly maintained, may promote the growth of harmful organisms. For this reason, ODH requires both types of facilities to implement effective water management programs to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens within their plumbing systems.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious and potentially deadly form of bacterial pneumonia. The primary sources of infection include Legionella-contaminated water from showers, faucets, cooling towers, hydrotherapy pools, and decorative water features such as fountains or water walls. According to the U.S. CDC, there has been a 300% increase in reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease over the past 15 years. Fortunately, this is a preventable threat—nine out of ten outbreaks are avoidable through a properly implemented water management program.

This webinar will focus on the responsibilities of Residential Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities for water management, including how to assess and control the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. Facilities are required to document their prevention strategies, and ODH mandates that they maintain a comprehensive, active water management plan.