Preventing Healthcare-associated Legionnaires' Disease

Key points

  • The key to preventing Legionnaires' disease is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread.
  • Building owners and managers can do this by maintaining building water systems and implementing controls for Legionella.

Water management resources

CDC's Controlling Legionella web site contains detailed information, including content specific to healthcare facilities.

In July 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated survey and certification memo. It states that healthcare facilities should develop and adhere to ASHRAE-compliant water management programs. The goal is to reduce the risk for Legionella and other pathogens in healthcare facility water systems.