In 1992, New York State passed legislation establishing a requirement that certain healthcare professionals must receive training on infection control (IC) and barrier precautions every four years upon license renewal. Initially, six elements of IC were identified in the New York State IC Training Syllabus. In 2008, the legislature mandated updates to the curriculum, the training process, and the list of professionals requiring the training.
In 2018, Sepsis Awareness and Education was added to address the critical need for early identification and treatment of life-threatening systemic responses to infection. The seven elements are outlined below and detailed in the subsequent sections of this training.
ELEMENT I |
The responsibility to adhere to scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control and to monitor the performance of those for whom the professional is responsible. |
ELEMENT II |
Modes and mechanisms of transmission of pathogenic organisms in the healthcare setting and strategies for prevention and control. |
ELEMENT III |
Use of engineering and work practice controls to reduce the opportunity for patient and healthcare worker exposure to potentially infectious material in all healthcare settings. |
ELEMENT IV |
Selection and use of barriers and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing patient and healthcare worker contact with potentially infectious material. |
ELEMENT V |
Creation and maintenance of a safe environment for patient care in all healthcare settings through application of infection control principles and practices for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. |
ELEMENT VI |
Prevention and management of infectious or communicable diseases in healthcare workers. |
ELEMENT VII |
Sepsis awareness and education, focusing on early recognition, clinical signs, and the urgency of treatment. |