HHS Seeks Comment on HAI Action Plan Strategies for Outpatient Care
The Office of Healthcare Quality is soliciting public comment on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)'s Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections draft tier 2 modules.
The action plan identifies key actions in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Tier 2 expands efforts outside of the acute-care setting into outpatient facilities. Tier 2 modules are draft comprehensive strategies for preventing and reducing healthcare-associated infections in ambulatory surgical centers and end-stage renal disease facilities, as well as a strategy to increase influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel. The modules build upon and are to be included in the existing HHS Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections that focuses on reducing hospital-acquired infections (tier 1).
Comments on the draft tier 2 modules should be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, 2010.
Comments are preferred electronically and may be addressed to OHQ@hhs.gov. Written responses should be addressed to Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Healthcare Quality, 200 Independence Ave, S.W., Room 719B, Washington, D.C. 20201, Attention: Draft Tier 2 Modules.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
