More than two years after Medicare's revised Conditions for Coverage (CfC) for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) went into effect, some endoscopy ASCs still have questions about the best ways to comply with the new infection control standards.

Join the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) for "Meeting CMS Requirements for Coverage on Infection Control at Ambulatory Endoscopy Centers," an hour-long webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 1 pm. Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) members can register for free.

Laura Strohmeyer, AmSurg regional director of GI clinical services division III, will review the applicable CMS CfC infection control standards, discuss common deficiencies cited,a nd identify strategies that can be used to promote a successful CMS survey.

.Â Learn about ASCA's 2011 webinar series at 

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HAIs

 health care-acquired infections (HAIs) page presents updates on the latest techniques and strategies in the never-ending battle between infection preventionists and HAIs. Focusing on the latest in medical literature, we also present perspectives from the top infection preventionists and other medical experts in the country about how to put the growing knowledge of HAIs into use in the everyday world of infection prevention. Articles and videos often focus on methods to contain and control pathogens and multidrug-resistant organisms from spreading within the health care system.

Sterile Processing

 sterile processing page provides an inside look into the sterile processing (or central supply) department in the hospital where surgical instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and reprocessed in order to disinfect, remove bioburden, and prep for upcoming procedures. Sterile processing applies to not only the knives, scalpels, scissors, forceps, and clamps used in surgery, but also instruments such as endoscopes and duodenoscopes. 

 reports on the latest technology but also on the means to disinfect that technology. Also, the trend toward making more disposable surgical equipment. What does that mean for the sterile processing team?

APIC Provides Free Endoscopy Webinar for ASCA Members