Seconds to contaminate, years to recover

This session will examine regulatory standards governing high-level disinfection and sterilization, with emphasis on how surveyors interpret and apply those requirements in acute and procedural settings. Participants will review the most frequently cited non-compliance findings, analyze underlying root causes, and explore practical corrective actions that align with CMS, CDC, and manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs). The program will also provide a framework for building sustainable monitoring and quality assurance processes to strengthen oversight, mitigate regulatory exposure, and ensure consistent adherence to infection prevention protocols.