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.