On May 8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) terminated its Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), a decision that has provoked outcry from healthcare associations and groups.
Every year, the financial burden of hospital-associated infections (HAIs) range from $28.4 billion to $45 billion in direct medical costs. These infections are also responsible for more than 72,000 deaths annually amongst patients in hospitals. It’s important to note that according to the Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI), up to 70% of these infections are preventable through implementing evidence-based practices.
HICPAC, a committee at the forefront of health infections control, was known for establishing national standards focused on the prevention and control of infections and antimicrobial resistance in healthcare venues such as hospitals, home health, long-term care, and outpatient clinics. Over the span of more than 30 years, the committee had formed 540 recommendations, with 90% seeing full implementation. The committee’s diversity was notable, consisting of federal health leaders, hospital executives, association leaders, and having representation from a broad range of healthcare professionals. The committee was also open to public input.
However, the CDC cited compliance with an executive order aimed at reducing the federal bureaucracy as the reason for shutting down this influential 11-person committee. The concern now is about the potential loss of guidelines that the committee was developing, including draft isolation precaution guidelines for healthcare facilities. This development does not sit well with many, including Connie Steed, who fears that the lack of established guidelines will result in healthcare professionals making decisions on the fly.
The discontinuation of HICPAC is noted as a significant loss in the field, creating a void and potentially putting patients at risk. It signifies a setback in progress made in preventing healthcare-associated infections over the years. The potential long-term implications are still being discussed, with many predicting a consequential gap in national preparedness and response capacity, which is particularly alarming at a time when the threats from emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance are escalating.
Without a replacement for HICPAC, the process of drafting CDC guidance on infection control for healthcare settings becomes less transparent and therefore could well undermine safety for patients and healthcare workers. Strikingly, these guidelines also play a part in the accreditation process by Medicare and Medicaid. Hence, hope remains that with a confirmed CDC director, the void left by HICPAC could be filled by a similar expert advisory group with diverse perspectives and profound experience. In the meantime, the healthcare sector faces the challenge of safeguarding patient care without the valuable support once provided by HICPAC.