IPAC Canada – the smart way to advance infection prevention and control best practice every day.
A Message From Our President
The Profession
MISSION: We inspire, nurture and advance a culture committed to infection prevention and control.
VISION: No preventable infections for Canadians. Ever.
Our Organization
Click here to read a summary of our strategic plan.
IPAC CANADA (Infection Prevention and Control Canada) is a multidisciplinary, professional organization for those engaged in the prevention and control of infections. IPAC Canada was incorporated under the Canadian Corporation Act in 1976 and is a registered non-profit organization. IPAC Canada has over 1600 members. (Membership Map on right)
IPAC Canada is a Not-for-Profit charitable organization whose revenues come from annual membership revenues, conference revenues, commercial advertising and unrestricted grants for specific projects. IPAC Canada does not endorse or recommend the products or services of any commercial entity that advertises on the IPAC Canada website.
IPAC Canada provides communication and education for those involved in infection control activities. Its goal is to prevent infections and as a result improve patient care and staff health in hospitals, other health care facilities, and the community by:
- initiating and coordinating effective communication and cooperation among all disciplines united by infection control activities
- supporting and/or developing effective and rational infection control practices
- standardizing infection control practices
- promoting research in areas related to infection control
- promoting and facilitating infection control education for both infection control practitioners and other personnel working in hospitals, nursing homes and related institutions.
Our Members
INFECTION CONTROL PROFESSIONALS come from many different backgrounds within the health care field. These include disciplines such as nursing, medicine, microbiology, medical technology and epidemiology. Certification in Infection Control (CIC®) is also available by passing an examination set by the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). IPAC Canada supports this certification. Accreditation Canada requires all accredited hospitals to have systems in place to ensure provision of infection control activities.
DEFINITION OF AN ICP – The Board of Directors has confirmed the following definition of an Infection Prevention and Control Professional (ICP):
An Infection Control Professional (ICP) is an individual who has responsibility in their workplace for development, implementation, evaluation, and education related to policies, procedures, and practices that impact the prevention of healthcare-associated infections.
Integral competencies to the role include knowledge of infectious disease processes, microbiology, routine practices and additional precautions, surveillance, principles of epidemiology, research utilization and education. The performance of these activities and application of competencies will vary depending on the setting in which the ICP functions. Additional supporting competencies include communication, leadership, and professionalism. An ICP who demonstrates infection prevention and control competencies should be Certified in Infection Control (CIC®), having successfully passed the initial certification exam and recertification every 5 years.
Accepted alternative terms, meaning the same thing:Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner, Infection Prevention and Control Professional, Infection Control Practitioner, Infection Control Specialist, Infection Control Consultant, Infection Preventionist
Refer to the IPAC Canada Core Competencies for Infection Control Professionals.
WITHIN HOSPITAL AND OTHER HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, Infection Control Professionals are responsible for keeping abreast of all current infection control standards and practices. They must ensure that these practices are implemented and the standards maintained within their institutions. This is done by orientation and continuing education of health care workers, consultation, surveillance and coordination of results. Infection Control Professionals maintain a strong liaison with public health authorities.
In 1985, THE MANDATE expanded to include the community, thus reflecting the responsibility of infection control beyond active treatment hospitals. Infection Control Professionals contribute their expertise to the community in many ways. For example, they:
- work with the Ministry of the Environment on safe procedures for waste disposal
- join government task forces setting standards for long term care facilities
- assist in setting standards for the use of disinfectants in industrial settings
- speak on infection control at institutions such as public schools and community colleges
- advise AIDS committees at the local, provincial and national levels on matters of public education
- act as consultants to a wide range of organizations including the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Standards Association, the Canadian Hospital Association, the Operating Room Association, Central Supply Services, and Ambulance Services.
Revised July 6, 2018
