A critical void has emerged in healthcare, and two leading organizations are stepping up to fill it. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have joined forces to create the Healthcare Infection Prevention Advisory Group (HIPAG). This initiative aims to address crucial infection prevention priorities on a national scale. But why is this new group so important?
The dissolution of the CDC’s Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) left a significant gap in coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts focused on infection prevention, control, and antimicrobial stewardship. This absence raised concerns about potential inconsistencies in policies and clinical practices across different healthcare organizations. HIPAG was formed to bridge this gap, offering timely, evidence-based advice to support participating organizations and the wider healthcare community.
This collaboration highlights a shared dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and scientific rigor in national discussions about infection prevention. The goal is to ensure a unified approach as new challenges and emerging threats continue to evolve.
APIC and SHEA envision HIPAG as a crucial resource to prevent fragmented or duplicated efforts. It will promote alignment and strengthen collaboration by connecting experts from various disciplines and care settings.
“HIPAG must represent the full spectrum of expertise and experience in infection prevention and epidemiology,” stated David Weber, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, FRSM, president of SHEA. “We are inviting expert representatives from key medical, public health, and patient groups to ensure broad and inclusive engagement across disciplines. Evidence-informed infection prevention policies save lives—there’s no room for compromise. We owe it to our patients and our field to get this right.”
Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, the 2025 APIC president, echoed this sentiment: “APIC is proud to partner with SHEA and our colleagues across healthcare and public health in this essential initiative. 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.”
And this is the part most people miss: The structure and membership of HIPAG, along with a coordinated communication and engagement plan, will be finalized in the coming weeks. Organizations interested in participating or contributing expert representatives are encouraged to contact APIC or SHEA for more information.
About APIC: The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading professional association for infection preventionists. Their mission is to create a safer world by preventing infections.
About SHEA: The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) is a professional society representing physicians and other healthcare professionals in the fields of healthcare epidemiology, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship.
What do you think? Do you believe this new advisory group will effectively address the gaps left by the previous committee? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
