What guidelines must licensees adhere to for infection control?

Licensees must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for infection control because these guidelines provide comprehensive and scientifically-backed recommendations for preventing the spread of infections in various settings, including healthcare and personal services. The CDC's guidelines cover a wide array of topics related to infection prevention, including standard precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), and protocols for handling and disposing of potentially contaminated materials.

These guidelines are designed to be adaptable for a variety of situations and provide essential information for practitioners to ensure the safety of both clients and staff. They emphasize the importance of infection control practices that are vital for maintaining public health, particularly in environments where there is a higher risk of exposure to infections.

While OSHA guidelines and local health department standards can also play significant roles in infection control, the CDC guidelines specifically address the broader community and healthcare-based aspects of disease prevention and control, making them the primary reference for licensees in many healthcare and personal service contexts.