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Linda Dickey, University of California at Irvine |
Infection prevention programs provide internal expertise to assist in preventing the spread of infection within health care facilities among patients, staff and visitors. Examples of Legionella outbreaks associated with health care will be provided to illustrate potential risk factors within these settings. To provide a broader perspective beyond Legionella on causative pathogens for health care associated infections (HAIs), the current incidence of HAIs in the U.S. will be described. An illustration of how the risk assessment process and water management plan outlined in Standard 188 may assist health care organizations in prospectively preventing infection occurrence also will be discussed.