APIC Issues Statement on Congressional Hearing Examining HAIs

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Kathy Warye, CEO of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), issued the following statement regarding an April 16 hearing on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Oversight and Reform: “APIC wishes to commend Rep. Henry Waxman for convening today's hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Oversight and Reform which addressed the subject of HAIs. Stories like Mr. Lawton's are unfortunate evidence that infection prevention and control has yet to become a top priority in many of our nation's healthcare institutions. While leading institutions are proving that healthcare-associated infections, once thought to be unavoidable, can be prevented, many have not yet adopted evidence-based interventions proven to reduce infections. As our arsenal of antibiotics and other control measures declines, it is imperative that all of our nation's healthcare professionals, from the executive suite to the front line, embrace the concept of prevention. Infection prevention and control professionals work daily to educate healthcare workers and lead performance improvement initiatives that will save both lives and scarce healthcare resources. But they cannot do it alone. Success requires strong commitment on the part of administrative and clinical leadership, effective integration of infection control measures across the institution and adequately resourced and staffed infection prevention and control departments.”

Warye continues, “APIC's mission is to reduce the risk of infection and related adverse outcomes. A key contribution to the ongoing reduction of HAIs resides in our translation of CDC guidelines into practice guidance for front-line professionals. We invite our nation's healthcare leaders to join with us in our Targeting Zero initiatives designed to bring HAIs in our nation's institutions to an irreducible minimum. APIC looks forward to continuing our partnerships with healthcare professionals, policy makers, insurers and patient advocacy groups to provide support and education in this important endeavor.”