Infection Prevention Starts with Everyday Practice

By: Rommie Johnson, MPH, PMP, Program Director

Rommie Johnson manages the strategic and programmatic direction for Office-Based Surgery (OBS) Centers and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) seeking accreditation and certification through ACHC. His extensive experience includes accreditation of a wide range of ambulatory care organizations, as well as business development with a focus on complex surgical practices and surgery management firms. Rommie is a firm believer in sharing knowledge and is dedicated to building a team of highly collaborative surveyor-educators.

Posted: November 12, 2026

A well-written infection prevention and control plan is essential. But the real test is what happens when no one is reading from the policy. 

Are medications being prepared in the appropriate area? Are supplies being stored properly? Are team members consistently practicing hand hygiene and speaking up when they see a break in technique? 

These everyday practices can tell you a great deal about your organization's approach to patient safety. 

ACHC Standard 05.00.01 requires ASCs and office-based surgical practices to maintain an ongoing, written Infection Prevention and Control Program based on nationally recognized guidelines. But maintaining compliance requires putting those policies into practice, monitoring their effectiveness, and addressing risks as they arise. 

Clear, well-organized policies help establish consistency in daily operations. 

Leadership sets the example. 

Team members notice what leaders reinforce, what they overlook, and what they practice themselves.  

Walking past an empty hand sanitizer dispenser without comment or failing to follow established protocols sends a message. So does addressing concerns immediately and consistently demonstrating good habits. 

Leaders should regularly observe routine processes from beginning to end. Are staff following established procedures? Do they have the resources and training necessary to perform their responsibilities safely? 

Proactive environmental rounding is one effective way to identify potential infection risks before they become larger problems. 

When concerns are identified, assign responsibility for corrective action and follow up to confirm resolution. Documenting these decisions helps maintain accountability. 

Make infection prevention everyone's responsibility. 

Procedures are added. Supplies change. Staff responsibilities shift. Your infection prevention practices must keep pace. 

Infection prevention professionals play a critical role in educating teams, monitoring practices, and identifying risks. But they cannot do it alone. From the front desk to the procedure room, every team member contributes to creating a safer environment for patients and colleagues. 

Strong infection prevention practices begin with clear expectations, consistent leadership, and a shared commitment to doing things right every day. 

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