In a bold move to address a growing crisis in healthcare, two leading organizations have joined forces to tackle the alarming gaps in infection prevention practices. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have unveiled the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at safeguarding public health. But here's where it gets controversial: the dissolution of the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) has left a void, sparking concerns about inconsistent policies and clinical practices across healthcare settings. HIPAG steps in to fill this void, offering a multidisciplinary approach to ensure evidence-based, coordinated strategies in infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
Why does this matter? Infections acquired in healthcare settings are a leading cause of preventable harm, and without unified guidance, patients and healthcare workers are at risk. HIPAG’s mission is to bridge this gap by assembling a diverse group of experts from medical societies, healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and patient advocacy groups. This collaborative effort aims to prevent fragmented or redundant initiatives, fostering alignment and stronger partnerships across disciplines and care environments.
And this is the part most people miss: HIPAG isn’t just about creating policies—it’s about ensuring these policies are practical, scientifically rigorous, and inclusive of real-world expertise. As David Weber, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, FRSM, president of SHEA, emphasizes, “Evidence-informed infection prevention policies save lives—there’s no room for compromise. We owe it to our patients and our field to get this right.” This initiative reflects a shared dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and scientific integrity in national infection prevention efforts.
Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, 2025 APIC president, adds, “This collaboration is critical not only for the safety of healthcare delivery but also for rebuilding trust among patients, families, and healthcare professionals.” HIPAG’s structure and membership details are set to be finalized in the coming weeks, alongside a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy.
Here’s where you come in: What do you think about the dissolution of HICPAC and the creation of HIPAG? Is this the right approach to address infection prevention challenges, or are there other solutions we should consider? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
For organizations eager to contribute or participate, APIC and SHEA are welcoming inquiries. Together, they aim to ensure that infection prevention remains a cornerstone of healthcare, driven by science and grounded in collective expertise.
About APIC: The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the premier professional association for infection preventionists, dedicated to creating a safer world through infection prevention.
About SHEA: The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) represents physicians and healthcare professionals in healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship, advancing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
