Professional Blog

How Contec Solutions Align with The Joint Commission Standards

Written by Contec Professional | 1/17/2025

The Joint Commission’s updated standards, effective July 1, 2024, emphasize the critical need for healthcare facilities to establish robust infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. These updates are rooted in reducing the risks of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and promoting patient safety. A key component of these efforts is a systematic approach to environmental cleaning and disinfection.

 

Contec’s comprehensive product offerings and training resources directly align with these standards, supporting hospitals and healthcare facilities in meeting and exceeding compliance requirements. Infection prevention expert Robert Garcia has provided invaluable insights into the application of these standards, bridging theoretical guidelines with practical implementation.

Standard IC.04.01.01

Requirement: Hospitals must have a hospital-wide IPC program addressing the surveillance, prevention, and control of HAIs. Infection preventionists are tasked with policy development, staff training, and compliance auditing

From the Expert:

  • Support EVS and IPC leaders in policy development for cleaning and disinfection.
  • Provide detailed Instructions for Use (IFUs) and compliance assessment tools.
  • Facilitate competency-based training programs for environmental service (EVS) staff, ensuring adherence to processes and appropriate use of Contec technologies.

Your Resources:

Standard IC.06.01.01

Requirement: Hospitals must implement IPC programs through targeted activities, including maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.

From the Expert:

  • Provide training materials and supportive documentation, including IFUs and EPA-registered disinfectant compatibility guidelines.
  • Ensure that EVS and IPC leaders have the resources to establish effective disinfection protocols across all facility areas, including clinics and surgical centers.

Your Resources:

Standard IC.07.01.01

Requirement: Hospitals must develop protocols for preparedness against high-consequence infectious diseases, such as Candida auris.

From the Expert:

  • Create protocols addressing high-consequence pathogens.
  • Ensure these protocols are readily available at critical care points, such as emergency departments and urgent care clinics

Your Resources:

Bridging Standards with Practical Application

Robert Garcia emphasizes the importance of aligning cleaning products and procedures with recognized standards, such as those from the CDC. For example, Contec’s microfiber cleaning tools are designed to meet the rigorous demands of environmental cleaning in healthcare settings. Their compatibility with EPA-registered disinfectants ensures they can be used safely across a wide range of applications, from routine cleaning to specialized pathogen control.

Additionally, Garcia underscores the value of competency-based training for EVS staff, using Contec’s Skill.Set.Go. program and other resources to demonstrate best practices and maintain compliance.

Why Choose Contec?

Contec stands out as a trusted partner for infection prevention and control. Here’s why:

  • Product Excellence: Chemical-agnostic microfiber products and disposable cleaning tools are designed for maximum disinfection efficacy.
  • Training and Support: Resources like ProSights and ProStart empower healthcare teams with the knowledge and skills needed to meet Joint Commission standards.
  • Expert Insights: With applications informed by experts like Robert Garcia, Contec ensures its solutions are both practical and effective.
  • The updated Joint Commission standards are a call to action for healthcare facilities to enhance their IPC programs. Contec is proud to provide the tools, training, and expertise necessary to meet these standards and promote patient safety.
  • For more information on how Contec can support your infection prevention goals, contact us (link to Contact Us Page)or explore our full range of solutions today.

 Meet The Expert

Bob Garcia, President and Senior Infection Preventionist at Enhanced Epidemiology LLC

Bob Garcia is a distinguished infection preventionist and microbiologist with extensive experience in healthcare epidemiology. He currently serves as the President and Senior Infection Preventionist at Enhanced Epidemiology LLC, a company based in Valley Stream, New York.

Throughout his career, Mr. Garcia has held pivotal roles in infection prevention across multiple healthcare facilities. Notably, he has served as an infection preventionist and director at nine hospitals in New York. His expertise was further recognized through his position as a senior instructional support specialist in the Healthcare Epidemiology Department.

Mr. Garcia's contributions to the field are also evident in his scholarly work. He co-authored a study titled "Decreasing Utilization of Indwelling Urinary Catheters Using Creative Strategies," which was published by the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In addition to his written work, Mr. Garcia has shared his insights through various media. He was featured in a podcast episode titled "Standardising IPC Programs," where he discussed infection prevention and control programs.

Mr. Garcia's extensive experience and dedication to infection prevention have made him a respected figure in the field, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare epidemiology and infection control practices.

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