Are you up to standard? The updated Infection Prevention and Control standard of practice is now in effect

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Consultation on updates to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) standard of practice (formerly Reprocessing Medical Equipment) took place between Mar. 21 and Apr. 20, 2022, and CPSA Council approved the final version at their September meeting.

The updated Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) standard of practice took effect Nov. 1, 2022.

The updated standard more clearly sets out expectations around both IPAC and medical device reprocessing for regulated members in community medical clinics. It also clarifies that medical clinics are required to participate in onsite assessments of clinic practices.

What has changed?

• Renamed Infection Prevention and Control to address broadening of standard and indicate its content
• Provided definition for “community medical clinic”
• Clarified expectations for facilities offering both community medical care and accredited services
• Added requirements for:
  • Ongoing quality assurance through monitoring practices
  • Cooperation with IPAC-related practice visits

For more information on the feedback we received, please review the consultation outcomes.

Have you ever wondered how your clinic would score on infection prevention and control? Download our self-assessment tools for IPAC and medical device reprocessing and conduct your own review.

Questions? Contact ipac@cpsa.ab.ca.