In a message dated 2/29/2004 4:08:54 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Patient is ready to return to SNF but now the SNF is refusing to take him back stating he "wanders" (although he is wheelchair bound) and presents a health risk to the other residents.
My understanding is that MRSA is spread by contact with the organism. It's not airborne being too large for that. If the resident is not spitting on things or himself there shouldn't be a problem. You can check the APIC web site (www.apic.org) for more info on infections and MRSA in LTC. Please remember also if there are no symptoms the resident is considered colonized not infected and as previously stated MRSA colonies are in many of our residents unbeknownst to us.
Susann Irwin, RN
MDS Coordinator
North Carolina
