March 4, 2026 — The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) recently announced the release of a new white paper, Centralized Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance Programs in Acute Care Health Systems: Perspectives from Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Leaders, along with a new microcredential focused on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance.
Together, these resources support healthcare organizations seeking to improve the accuracy, consistency, and efficiency of HAI surveillance while enabling infection preventionists (IPs) to devote more time to direct prevention activities that protect patients and healthcare workers.
The white paper examines how centralized surveillance programs (CSPs) can strengthen data standardization, improve interrater reliability, and enhance regulatory reporting. It also outlines practical considerations for implementation, including technology infrastructure, electronic health record integration, virtual surveillance models, outsourcing options, workforce training, and financial planning.
Surveillance in IPC Microcredential
The companion microcredential in surveillance is designed to build and validate competency in applying National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions, conducting standardized case reviews, and supporting reliable, high-quality surveillance practices across healthcare systems. The program offers structured education and assessment to support both new and experienced professionals involved in HAI surveillance.
APIC President Kathy Ward, RN, BSN, MPH, FAPIC, CIC, stated:
Reliable surveillance is foundational to effective infection prevention. By pairing this evidence-informed white paper with targeted education through the surveillance micro-credential, APIC is providing healthcare teams with both the guidance and the skills needed to strengthen surveillance and improve patient safety.
The publication and training program are intended for infection preventionists, surveillance specialists, quality leaders, and healthcare system administrators who are evaluating or expanding centralized approaches to HAI surveillance.
The complete white paper, Centralized Healthcare-Associated Infection Surveillance Programs in Acute Care Health Systems: Perspectives from Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Leaders, as well as additional information on the surveillance microcredential, are available at APIC.
