The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have issued a joint update following the recent elimination of the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). The announcement, authored by Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, 2025 APIC President, and David Weber, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, FRSM, 2025 SHEA President, outlines how the two organizations are working together to ensure continued leadership in infection prevention and control (IPC).
HICPAC has historically guided national standards for infection prevention, providing evidence-based recommendations that shape clinical policies and support frontline practice. Its disbandment has raised questions across the healthcare community, particularly around ongoing guidance development.
To maintain stability and momentum, APIC and SHEA have created a joint working group designed to identify and address gaps in IPC guidance or strategic priorities. While this group will not revise or complete any in-progress HICPAC documents—responsibility that remains with the CDC—its purpose is to help preserve continuity in national IPC leadership.
Working Group Composition
- Representatives from APIC and SHEA
- Former HICPAC members providing historical and technical insight
- Leaders in infection prevention, epidemiology, policy, and partner organizations, ensuring broad perspective and expertise
Key Focus Areas
- Identifying priority areas requiring expert attention
- Supporting continuity of national IPC and antimicrobial stewardship leadership
- Ensuring recommendations remain science-based, transparent, and multidisciplinary
- Promoting continued access to trusted guidance that supports safe, reliable care
APIC and SHEA acknowledge ongoing questions surrounding draft HICPAC guidelines, including Isolation Precautions and Healthcare Personnel Health. At this time, the CDC has not announced next steps for these documents. Both organizations will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
Next Steps
The joint working group will become fully operational in the coming weeks and begin assessing where expert input is most urgently needed. Members can expect regular updates and opportunities to provide feedback as the process moves forward.
APIC and SHEA reaffirm their commitment to transparency, collaboration, and strong national leadership in infection prevention and control—supporting healthcare professionals who safeguard both patients and personnel every day.
To learn more about the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) visit shea-online.org
To learn more Association for Professionals in Infection Controle and Epidemiology (APIC) visit apic.org
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