In a bold move to address a growing crisis in healthcare, two leading organizations have joined forces to tackle the alarming gaps in infection prevention, a critical issue that affects every patient and healthcare worker. But here's where it gets controversial: with the dissolution of the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), many fear that the field is at risk of losing its unified approach, potentially leading to inconsistent practices and compromised patient safety. Is this a step backward, or an opportunity for innovation?
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have announced the formation of the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG), a collaborative initiative designed to fill the void left by HICPAC. This new group aims to address infection prevention priorities of national importance, ensuring that healthcare organizations have access to timely, evidence-informed guidance. The elimination of HICPAC raised concerns about fragmentation and inconsistencies in policies and clinical practices, particularly in antimicrobial stewardship. HIPAG is poised to bridge these gaps by fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and providing expert advisory services.
And this is the part most people miss: HIPAG isn’t just another committee—it’s a deliberate effort to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and scientific rigor in infection prevention discussions. By inviting experts from medical societies, healthcare organizations, public health agencies, and patient advocacy groups, HIPAG aims to create a unified front against emerging infectious threats. This inclusive approach is crucial as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve with new challenges, from antibiotic-resistant bacteria to pandemic preparedness.
One of the key goals of HIPAG is to prevent duplicative efforts and promote alignment across disciplines and care settings. For instance, instead of multiple organizations independently developing guidelines for infection control, HIPAG will serve as a central hub for expertise, ensuring that best practices are shared and implemented consistently. This not only saves resources but also strengthens the overall effectiveness of infection prevention strategies.
Here’s where opinions might diverge: While some applaud HIPAG’s inclusive and multidisciplinary approach, others may question whether such a broad coalition can move quickly enough to address urgent threats. David Weber, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, FRSM, president of SHEA, emphasizes the need for broad engagement: “HIPAG must reflect the full breadth of expertise and experience in infection prevention and epidemiology. Evidence-informed policies save lives—there’s no room for compromise. We owe it to our patients and our field to get this right.” This sentiment underscores the group’s commitment to inclusivity, but it also raises the question: Can such a diverse group reach consensus in time to make a difference?
Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, 2025 APIC president, highlights the initiative’s broader impact: “HIPAG reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that infection prevention remains science-driven, practical, and grounded in real-world expertise. This collaboration is not only critical to the safety of healthcare delivery—it is key to restoring trust and confidence among patients, families, and the professionals who care for them.” Her words point to a deeper issue: in an era of increasing skepticism about healthcare systems, initiatives like HIPAG could play a pivotal role in rebuilding public trust.
As HIPAG finalizes its structure, membership, and communication plan in the coming weeks, organizations interested in participating or contributing experts are encouraged to reach out to APIC or SHEA. This is a call to action for all stakeholders to unite in the fight against healthcare-associated infections.
But here’s the question we leave you with: In a field as complex and rapidly changing as infection prevention, can a collaborative group like HIPAG truly replace the role of a government-led committee like HICPAC? Or is this a necessary evolution in how we approach public health challenges? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of healthcare safety.
