Understanding Ohio Hospital Legionella Regulations
by Ben Frieders
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Ohio must now comply with newly established regulations designed to prevent Legionnaires’ disease and other waterborne infections. With rules officially filed on June 26, 2024, and taking effect on September 14, 2024, facilities are required to implement stringent water management and remediation strategies. These regulations align with 42 CFR 482.42, ensuring compliance with infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs.
Key Actions for Compliance for Ohio Hospital Legionella Regulations
1. Implementing a Comprehensive Water Management Program (WMP)
Facilities must establish and maintain an effective water management program to mitigate the risk of Legionella and other pathogens. The program should follow CDC guidance and include:
- Risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas in the water system.
- Routine monitoring of water quality, including temperature, disinfectant levels, and microbial content.
- Preventative measures to reduce bacterial growth in potable and non-potable water systems.
2. Legionella Testing Requirements
To validate water safety, hospitals must conduct two sets of validation water samples for Legionella testing within the first 12 months of implementing the water management program. Key testing requirements include:
- Sampling all hot potable water loops and other risk-prone water sources.
- Including cooling towers, therapy spas, decorative fountains, and water features where aerosolized exposure may occur.
- Ensuring testing is conducted by an accredited laboratory.
- Facilities that maintain Legionella levels below 1 CFU/mL for two consecutive years may reduce testing frequency to annual sampling.
3. Remediation Protocols for Legionella Contamination
In the event of Legionella detection, hospitals must take immediate corrective actions, which may include:
- Adjusting hot water temperatures in storage tanks or circulation systems.
- Correcting poor water flow or stagnation points.
- Conducting short-term remediation measures such as flushing or hyperchlorination.
- Installing permanent disinfection systems to ensure long-term control.
4. Communication and Ongoing Monitoring
Hospitals must communicate remediation efforts to patients, employees, and visitors. Additionally, testing must be repeated at 48 hours post-remediation and again 10 days later to confirm effectiveness.
Ensuring Compliance and Best Practices for Ohio Hospital Legionella Regulations
Ohio hospitals are required to submit water management program documentation and one year of testing results to the Department of Health annually. Facilities must also use the CDC’s Legionella Environmental Assessment Form when conducting case investigations.
By proactively managing Legionella risk, hospitals not only comply with new regulations but also enhance patient safety, protect staff, and prevent costly outbreaks. Ensuring proper water treatment, testing, and ongoing monitoring will be crucial for Ohio healthcare facilities moving forward.
For expert guidance on Legionella risk management, testing, and compliance solutions, contact ChemREADY today.
About The Author
Ben Frieders is the Business Development and Marketing Manager at ChemREADY, an industrial water treatment company, where he focuses on driving growth through strategic marketing, business development, and acquisitions. A former U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer with a background in nuclear operations, Ben brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership to the water treatment industry. Certified in ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management, he is a recognized expert in water quality standards, regulatory compliance, and Legionella risk management. Passionate about scaling businesses and optimizing systems, Ben combines data-driven strategies with a hands-on approach to help organizations achieve sustainable growth.