DOL Issues “Infection Preventionist National Occupational Framework”

According to a Dec. 12 press release from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the U.S. Department of Labor issued the “Infection Preventionist National Occupational Framework,” a registered apprenticeship framework to help train new infection preventionists (IPs) and prepare them to work in the field.

The press release states that “With infection preventionists (IPs) in short supply at the nation’s hospitals, surgical centers, and nursing homes, APIC – the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology – has provided subject matter expertise to help the Urban Institute and U.S. Department of Labor develop a first-of-its-kind framework for IP apprenticeship programs.”

Further, “Under the Employment Training Administration, the Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization, was awarded a grant to develop an infrastructure of occupational standards for registered apprenticeship programs, helping to accelerate the expansion of such programs throughout the US. The Urban Institute collaborated with APIC on building the framework for IP apprenticeship programs.”

Devin Jopp, EdD, MS and CEO of APIC was quoted in the release saying that “APIC is excited to announce the new apprenticeship program which will help to address IP staffing shortages and build the workforce for the future. With nearly 40 percent of current IPs expected to retire in the next five years, programs such as this are essential to help attract new candidates to the field of infection prevention and control and improve safety at our nation’s healthcare facilities.”

APIC has the press release.