APIC outlines desired professional standards
APIC outlines desired professional standards
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has drafted professional standards that call for ICPs to maintain integrity and a high degree of competency through education and training. Key criteria for each standard can be used for professional performance evaluation, the draft states.1 The professional standards are summarized as follows:
Professional Accountability: The ICP is responsible for the development, evaluation, and improvement of his/her own practice in relation to the practice standards for infection control. Key criteria include:
· Perform regular self-evaluations to identify strengths and needs for professional development.
· Seek constructive feedback regarding professional practice.
· Support or participate in professional organizations.
Qualifications: The ICP meets certain minimum qualifications to enter the profession. Key criteria include:
· Have a registered nurse or medical technologist or a bachelor's degree in a health-related field.
· Attend a basic infection control training course within the first year of entering the profession.
· Have health care-related experience.
Professional Development: The ICP acquires and maintains current knowledge and skills in the area of infection prevention and control and epidemiology. Key criteria include:
· Become certified in infection control or become certified within five years of entry into the profession.
· Actively and regularly seek experiences and learning opportunities that will advance his/her knowledge and skills.
· Pursue formal education in related disciplines such as epidemiology.
Leadership: The ICP serves as a leader and role model for the profession. Key criteria include:
· Share knowledge and skills with others.
· Recognize and support the importance of research in shaping the practice of infection control.
· Promote the value of the scientific basis of infection control and epidemiology.
· Bring creativity and innovation to practice.
· Seek opportunities to influence policy-making bodies.
Ethics: The ICP makes decisions and performs activities in an ethical manner. Key criteria include:
· Maintain confidentiality.
· Practice in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner and be sensitive to diversity.
· Recognize and resolve conflict-of-interest situations.
Reference
1. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. APIC Professional Practice Standards Task Force. Draft: Practice and professional standards for infection control and epidemiology. APIC 25th annual conference program and handouts, pp. 267-269.