By Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Critical access hospitals (CAHs) play an essential role in delivering healthcare to rural and underserved communities. With a focus on emergency care, shorter stays, and limited capacity, these facilities are often lifelines for patients who would otherwise have to travel hours for treatment. But operating with fewer resources doesn't mean fewer responsibilities, especially when it comes to infection prevention and control.
Over the last several years, Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS) has worked with a growing number of critical access hospitals that are seeking outside support for their infection control programs. While many facilities initially assigned infection prevention responsibilities to staff nurses or quality managers, a pattern has emerged: infection control is too important, too regulated, and too demanding to be treated as an afterthought.
We thought it would be helpful to discuss some of the reasons why more CAHs are moving toward partnering with certified infection control (CIC) consultants, like those at ICCS, and why it is often the best solution for long-term compliance and patient safety.
Infection Control Regulations Are Complex and Ever-Changing
One of the biggest challenges CAHs face is keeping up with the web of regulations tied to infection prevention. These include federal rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), guidelines from The Joint Commission and other accreditation organizations, as well as state-specific laws and public health requirements. It's a lot to track, especially for smaller facilities with limited administrative bandwidth.
CIC consultants are trained specifically in this area. They not only stay current with the latest regulatory expectations but also understand how to translate those into practical, day-to-day workflows. Whether it's preparing for a survey, responding to audit findings, or developing policies aligned with national standards, consultants bring a level of expertise that is difficult to match internally, especially when infection control is only one of many hats a nurse might be wearing.
In the case of consultants who are also supported by an organization like ICCS, you gain the added benefit of a structured, team-based approach. These consultants have access to peer collaboration, ongoing training, and centralized resources that enhance both consistency and depth of expertise. This means your facility isn't just relying on one person's knowledge, but on a network of professionals dedicated to infection prevention and regulatory compliance, which brings scalable support when and where it's needed most.
Staff Nurses Are Already Overextended
In a typical CAH, nursing staff are the backbone of the operation. They're managing patient care, handling documentation, responding to emergencies, and often filling multiple roles at once. When infection prevention is layered on top of these responsibilities, it frequently takes a back seat. That happens not out of neglect, but out of necessity.
We've seen firsthand how well-intentioned staff struggle to give infection control the attention it requires. Surveillance, data tracking, root cause analysis, policy development, staff training — it's a full-time job, and then some. Infection prevention needs to be proactive, not reactive, and that can't happen when the person responsible is pulled in five different directions.
Consultants Offer Flexibility and Cost-Efficiency
Hiring a full-time infection preventionist can be a significant — and sometimes impossible — burden for smaller hospitals. There's the cost of recruitment, onboarding, salary, benefits, and training — not to mention the challenges of finding someone who is both qualified and willing to relocate to a rural area. And even if you succeed in hiring, there's always the risk of turnover or extended absence, which can leave the CAH without critical infection prevention support.
Contracting with an infection control consulting firm — particularly one with CAH experience and expertise — offers a cost-effective alternative. Rather than building a program from scratch or overextending internal resources, CAHs gain immediate access to experienced professionals who can hit the ground running. These consultants work on flexible schedules and can tailor services to the specific needs of the facility — whether that's a one-time assessment, ongoing monthly support, or a hybrid model.
Continuity of Support Makes a Measurable Difference
Turnover in infection prevention roles is a common issue across healthcare settings, and the disruption can be especially damaging in smaller hospitals. When a staff member leaves, institutional knowledge often goes with them, and the infection control program can lose momentum or even stall.
Consulting services offer stability. When ICCS partners with a facility, the assigned consultant typically remains with that CAH for the duration of the engagement. This consistency allows for the development of trust, familiarity with the facility's processes and culture, and a deeper understanding of ongoing challenges. Over time, that relationship becomes one of the most valuable assets in the hospital's infection prevention toolbox.
Strategic Insight Beyond Compliance
Infection control isn't just about passing surveys or avoiding citations. At its core, it's about protecting patients and staff from preventable harm. Experienced consultants bring more than regulatory knowledge. They bring strategy.
We often work with CAHs to improve areas like hand hygiene adherence, reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs, and develop meaningful quality improvement initiatives. Many of these facilities don't have dedicated teams to lead this work, but with a consultant's guidance, they're able to implement sustainable solutions that improve outcomes over time.
And because we're not embedded in the day-to-day, we can offer an outside perspective that's sometimes harder to come by when you're working from within. This objectivity can be a valuable tool for identifying blind spots, addressing systemic issues, and fostering an even stronger culture of safety.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
There's no arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how the world views infection control. What used to be considered a behind-the-scenes function is now front and center, and under greater scrutiny than ever before. Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance, compliance breakdowns, and staff burnout all carry real consequences. For CAHs already stretched thin, the risks are further amplified.
Bringing in a certified consultant isn't just about checking a regulatory box. It's about ensuring that infection prevention is strong, sustainable, and tailored to the unique demands of the facility. With limited staff and finite resources, every decision matters — and having expert support in your corner can make all the difference.
Let ICCS Help Strengthen Your Critical Access Hospital's Infection Prevention Program
ICCS has supported hospitals and healthcare facilities, including CAHs, across the country with infection prevention consulting services tailored to their needs. If your critical access hospital is looking to enhance its infection control program, ensure compliance, or simply relieve the burden on your internal staff, our experienced consultants are here to help. I invite you to contact ICCS so we can discuss how our team can support your infection control and prevention needs and goals.