The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee published the Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings in October 2002 in which alcohol handrubs were recommended for use in healthcare facilities. At that time existing national fire codes as set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) permitted handrub dispensers in patient rooms, but prohibited their installation in egress or exit corridors.

On March 25, 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule adopting an amendment by the NFPA allowing for the installation of alcohol hand-rub dispensers in egress corridors. (Note: Local or state fire code requirements may differ from the national codes; therefore, facilities are strongly urged to determine requirements for their particular locale.) For additional information, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/firesafety/cmsRuling.htm

Alcohol handrubs are an important strategy for improving hand-hygiene practices by healthcare personnel, reducing healthcare-associated infections, and improving overall patient safety. CMSs new interim rule is an important step in improving access to alcohol handrub dispensers in healthcare settings. Healthcare facilities should continue to promote hand hygiene to prevent transmission of healthcare-associated infections.

Hand Hygiene

 hand hygiene page examines the practice of hand hygiene, from the proper methods to adherence among hospital staff. Will greater recognition of hand hygiene’s importance in curbing the spread of infections translate into better adherence among hospital staff and the public? This page features videos that demonstrate exactly how to conduct hand hygiene properly, articles recapping peer-reviewed literature on the latest advances in monitoring and adherence, as well as the popular "Bug of the Month" feature. 

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Environmental Services

 environmental services (EVS) page recognizes the team responsible for sanitation and cleaning within the health care system. EVS personnel are an integral component of infection prevention in the hospital, working closely together with the health care staff to ensure patient safety and hygiene standards. 

 keeps a close eye on developments in the environmental services industry and reports on any peer-reviewed literature. This page also features video interviews with EVS and the professionals who interact with them.

CMS Interim Final Rule Regarding Placement of Alcohol-Based Handrub Dispensers