Facility Volunteers Sought for Legionella Study

The Department of Health (DOH) is in the process of applying for research funding to better understand the risk of contracting legionellosis from building water systems. The study will combine mathematical risk assessment models with actual facility sampling data. DOH seeks Article 28 hospitals and nursing homes, as well as non-Article 28 assisted living facilities, to participate in the study.

Volunteer facilities will receive free Legionella sampling for up to three years. Samples will be collected one to four times per year and will meet the sampling requirements of Subpart 4-2, Protection Against Legionella: Health Care Facilities. Per Appendix 4-B, facilities will be responsible for remediating their water systems if greater than 30 percent of the samples in any single batch test positive for Legionella. Any required follow-up sampling would be provided by the study free of charge. Additional water system data will also be collected. This will include environmental assessment forms, water management plans, piping and instrumentation diagrams, descriptions of piping materials, etc.

Facilities will be kept anonymous. Both facilities with histories of Legionella and/or legionellosis and those without are eligible to participate. Participation is strictly voluntary and can be stopped at any time. This is an excellent opportunity for facilities to learn more about their water systems and to better protect the health of their patients and residents.

Interested facilities can contact Ursula Lauper, Research Scientist, Water Systems Control & Analysis, DOH Bureau of Water Supply Protection, by phone at 518-402-7683 or 303-564-5973 or by email at ursula.lauper@health.ny.gov.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-441-8761