1 IPU

Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Speaker: 

Daniel J. Thompson REHS, HVAC-R

Differential pressure monitors are critical in maintaining safe environments within healthcare facilities, especially in Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms and Protective Environment rooms. These monitors ensure that airflow is directed appropriately—into isolation rooms to contain airborne pathogens, and out of protective rooms to shield immunocompromised patients from outside contaminants. Constant and accurate pressure monitoring is essential to preserving these directional airflows, which are key components of infection prevention strategies.

However, over time, pressure monitors can drift out of calibration, malfunction, or become clogged with dust and debris, leading to inaccurate readings. Relying solely on digital displays without verification poses a risk to patient safety. That’s why manual pressure checks using manometers or pressure meters are necessary to validate monitor readings and identify discrepancies. Routine manual verification helps catch inconsistencies, prompting timely recalibration or replacement of faulty devices.

Proactively managing and verifying differential pressure systems ensures that isolation and protective rooms are functioning as designed. It helps facilities maintain compliance with infection control guidelines and ensures that vulnerable patients remain safe from airborne transmission risks. Combining technology with manual oversight builds confidence in environmental controls and upholds the integrity of critical care spaces.

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

1 IPU

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 1:15-3:00 pm ET

Presentation 1: "Utilization of an Infection Prevention Chatbot for frontline Caregivers"

Speaker: Evan Sylvester, MPH, AL-CIP, LTC-CIP, CIC, WFR, MT(ASCP)CM

This session introduces participants to a centralized Infection Prevention chatbot built in Copilot Studio, designed to serve frontline nurses and physicians across 13 hospitals. Attendees will explore how the chatbot supports real-time clinical decision-making, reduces reliance on Infection Prevention staff, and ensures standardized guidance across multiple facilities. The session combines demonstrations of live interactions, analytics interpretation, and optimization strategies for improving adoption and accuracy.

Key themes:
1)Real-world use of AI chatbots for Infection Prevention.
2)Standardization of protocols across multi-hospital systems.
3)Interpreting data analytics for performance and knowledge coverage.
4)Strategies to continuously improve user adoption and chatbot resolution rates

Presentation 2: "Transforming Public Health Reporting with Scalable, Intelligent Automation"

Speaker: Jessica Chalk, RN

Background: Timely and accurate reporting of communicable diseases is an essential element of effective infection prevention programs. However, manual completion of Confidential Morbidity Report (CMR) forms is time consuming and presents operational challenges for frontline clinicians. To address these challenges, our health system implemented a scalable automation initiative to modernize reporting across a large, multi-site care delivery network.

 
Methods: In collaboration with an external partner, we developed an automated solution that extracts structured data from multiple electronic health record (EHR) platforms, generates CMR forms, and securely transmits them to 41 local health jurisdictions. This automated process standardizes reporting, supports secure encrypted data transmission, and strengthens public health partnerships.

 
Results: Between January and June 2025, 9,453 CMR forms were submitted electronically, saving an estimated 788 to 1,103 hours of provider time. Automation reduced administrative burden, improved reporting timeliness, and enhanced compliance to reporting requirements. Areas for improvement were identified in data completeness and case detection accuracy.

Conclusions: Automated public health reporting strengthens the interface between infection prevention and the local health jurisdiction, enabling faster, more reliable disease investigation and response. Identification of reportable conditions using lab results and diagnosis codes requires careful calibration to balance sensitivity and specificity. These remain active areas of focus as we refine our approach to improve accuracy, consistency, and system performance. Further enhancements include a dashboard which leverages historical disease thresholds to detect emerging outbreaks and flag anomalies in reporting trends, supporting early investigation and improve data integrity. This initiative offers a replicable model for healthcare systems seeking to modernize public health reporting through intelligent automation.

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

1 IPU

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 10:00 am ET - 11:45 am ET

Speakers: Tia Johnson MSHS, MT(AMT), CIC and Katharine Hoffman

Infection preventionists juggle urgent clinical demands, evolving guidelines, and a growing need for well-crafted policies and program infrastructure—often with limited time and support. Enter ChatGPT: your new AI-powered brainstorming partner, policy assistant, and documentation sidekick. This rapid-fire session explores how to leverage ChatGPT for developing infection prevention programs, drafting and refining policies, and generating supporting materials such as job aids, risk assessments, and surveillance protocols.

You’ll learn how to craft prompts that yield useful, accurate outputs aligned with evidence-based practice and regulatory standards. We’ll cover best practices for using ChatGPT to support decision-making, accelerate writing, and enhance team collaboration without sacrificing accuracy or professional integrity. Real-world examples will be shared, with live demonstrations of how to go from ""code red"" gaps to ""code written"" solutions in minutes—not weeks.

Whether you're leading a new initiative, revising outdated protocols, or trying to wrangle that policy binder into shape, this session will give you the tools to work smarter (not harder) with AI. No tech experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to think outside the binder.

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

3 IPU

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 10:00 am ET - 3 pm ET

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal force across most industries, transforming the way we live, work, and solve complex problems. It is revolutionizing infection prevention and control (IPC) as well as healthcare, ushering in a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and proactive management. AI is quickly gaining traction as machine learning is being applied to more efficiently address tasks that have required significant human intervention in the past. With the increases in technology, we are now seeing technology approaching or exceeding in some cases a human’s ability to do the same tasks. Yet, what sets AI apart is its capacity to learn and evolve continuously. AI possesses the capability to sift through vast data sets, decipher complex data, anticipate needs, recognize patterns, and make insightful predictions. The integration of AI into IPC reflects a commitment to improving patient outcomes, optimizing healthcare processes, and addressing ethical considerations in the application of AI technologies.  

This summit will help you understand the potential impact AI could have on the future of IPC and will present case studies and emerging research that demonstrates possible applications of AI to the field of IPC. We will provide tools for how IPs can become critical coaches in the deployment of these technologies within their organizations as the technology continues to emerge.    

Learning Objectives:  

1. Explore how AI can augment traditional IPC strategies and improve outcomes. 
2. Discuss how AI can optimize resource allocation and response strategies in IPC. 
3. Evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of implementing AI-driven solutions in real-world IPC scenarios.
4. Identify emerging trends and future opportunities for AI in advancing IPC practices. 

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 3 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

1 IPU

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 10:00 am ET - 11:45 am ET

10-10:15 am ET: Opening of Program (Devin Jopp, CEO APIC)

10:15-10:45 am ET: Keynote Speaker

10:45-11:45 am ET: Session 1: What Infection Preventionists Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence: A Practical Framework for Informed Engagement

Speaker: John Delano

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly entering healthcare operations, but for most infection preventionists (IP), the gap between what AI promises and what it actually delivers in infection prevention and control (IPC) practice remains wide. This session translates a collaboratively developed ""Ten Key Points"" framework into a practical, evidence-grounded overview designed to help IPs move from uncertainty to informed engagement. Rather than showcasing a single AI product or pilot, this session takes a field-level view: What types of AI tools are IPs most likely to encounter? Where does published evidence suggest these tools have the most traction in IPC, and where do significant gaps remain? What organizational, data quality, workforce, and governance factors determine whether AI tools succeed or fail in practice? And critically, what readiness questions should IP teams be asking before adoption?

 
The session is structured around four content blocks drawn from the Ten Key Points framework, each pairing core concepts with illustrative examples from recent IPC literature:
AI foundations for IPs -- distinguishing AI types (machine learning, Natural language processing (NLPs)/Large language models (LLMs), generative AI), understanding what each is designed to do, and recognizing that AI supports but does not replace IP judgment.
Where AI meets IPC practice -- current and emerging applications in HAI surveillance and case finding, predictive analytics for targeted prevention, and compliance monitoring and communication workflows, with specific examples from published studies.
What makes AI work (or fail) in practice -- data quality, standardized definitions, bias and fairness considerations, human factors including alert fatigue and overreliance, and the critical role of workflow fit.
Governance, ethics, and readiness -- privacy, accountability, transparency, and a structured set of readiness questions IP teams can apply before adopting any AI tool.

 
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
Differentiate between machine learning, natural language processing, large language models, and generative AI and describe how each may apply to infection prevention work.
Identify at least three IPC application areas where AI tools are being explored, including their current evidence base and practical limitations.
Identify key readiness questions IP teams should consider before adopting an AI tool in infection prevention and control.

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

1 IPU

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Speakers: 

Ryan Geoit BS, a-IPC, CIC & Ian Mckenzie REH

Waterborne pathogens pose a significant threat to patient safety, especially in large healthcare facilities with complex plumbing systems. This presentation explores the strategic planning and implementation of a comprehensive water management program in a newly constructed 28-story, 200+ bed academic hospital. Attendees will gain insights into the multidisciplinary collaboration required to mitigate risks associated with Legionella and other opportunistic water pathogens.

The session will detail the integration of infection prevention principles into the design and construction phases, including risk assessments, engineering controls, and regulatory compliance. It will also cover the development of a site-specific water management plan (WMP), stakeholder engagement, and post-occupancy validation strategies. Real-world challenges and solutions will be shared, including how to navigate construction constraints, ensure environmental monitoring, and respond to water-related incidents.

To support practical implementation, the presentation will reference key resources such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 188, which outlines risk management practices for building water systems, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Toolkit for Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth and Spread in Buildings. It will also incorporate guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) memorandum QSO-17-30, which emphasizes hospital responsibilities in reducing Legionella risk. Additional standards from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and NSF International (NSF) related to potable water systems and plumbing safety, as well as recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on premise plumbing, will be discussed to provide a comprehensive framework for water safety planning in healthcare environments.

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

3 IPUs

Session 1: Better Air, Better Outcomes: Integrating Industrial Hygiene and Infection Prevention | September 24, 2026 @ 1 pm ET 

Session 2: Building a Safer Future: Water Pathogen Prevention in a New Hospital | October 14, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Session 3: Pressure Matters: Verifying the Front Line of Airborne Infection Control | November 12, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Infection prevention extends far beyond direct patient care and clinical interventions. The APIC Beyond the Walls Webinar Series examines the critical environmental, engineering, and operational systems that play a vital role in protecting patients, healthcare personnel, and visitors from infection risks. As healthcare facilities become increasingly complex, infection preventionists must collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines to address challenges related to air quality, water safety, environmental monitoring, and facility operations.

This three-part series brings together leaders in infection prevention, industrial hygiene, facilities management, and healthcare engineering to share practical strategies, lessons learned, and real-world experiences from the field. Participants will explore collaborative approaches to managing indoor air quality concerns, developing comprehensive water management programs to reduce the risk of waterborne pathogens, and maintaining effective airflow controls through differential pressure monitoring and verification.

Through case studies, implementation insights, and evidence-based practices, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how environmental systems influence infection prevention outcomes and regulatory compliance. Whether supporting new construction projects, responding to environmental risks, or strengthening existing programs, participants will leave with actionable tools and frameworks to enhance safety, improve interdisciplinary collaboration, and build more resilient healthcare environments.

Join APIC as we look beyond the bedside and explore the essential environmental safeguards that support infection prevention and patient safety throughout the healthcare continuum.

1 IPU

Thursday, September 24, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Speakers: 

Wilson Bull, MPH, CIH & Monica Lopez, RN, BSN, CIC

This session highlights the collaborative approach between Wilson Bull, Industrial Hygienist, and Monica Lopez, Manager of Infection Prevention, in managing indoor air quality concerns within healthcare settings. Through integrated assessment, communication, and mitigation efforts, their partnership achieved measurable outcome improvements, including improved timeliness of environmental risk resolution and increased consistency in mitigation decisions. Attendees will learn how aligning industrial hygiene and infection prevention expertise strengthens regulatory alignment, improves documentation quality, and increases organizational confidence in responding to indoor air quality events.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Describe the role of Industrial Hygiene in healthcare, including how industrial hygienists assess indoor air quality concerns, identify environmental exposures, and support risk‑based mitigation decisions in collaboration with Infection Prevention and Facilities teams.

Identify key indicators of effective indoor air quality management, including improved timeliness of issue resolution and reduced variability in mitigation decisions through multidisciplinary collaboration.

 
Explain how integrated Infection Prevention and Industrial Hygiene workflows support regulatory compliance, consistent documentation, and survey readiness when managing indoor air quality events.

 
Apply a collaborative framework to evaluate and respond to indoor air quality concerns within participants’ own organizations, using outcome‑focused measures to assess success.

IPUs: 

• APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s). 
• For more information, please see https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Rece... 

0 CE/ 1 IPU

Tuesday, July 15, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Speaker: Ramneek Rai, DDS

This session will:

Provide an overview of microbial biofilms that can develop in narrow Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs), discuss their potential health implications, and explain the need for proper disinfection and routine maintenance
Review current and emerging guidance from the CDC, the OSAP White Paper, and other relevant agencies on maintaining and monitoring dental water quality
Present DUWL management best practices, including considerations related to periods of non-use, portable dental units, and extended clinic closures

Learning Objectives

After participating in this session, participants will be able to:

Recognize the need for Dental Unit Waterline (DUWL) disinfection and routine monitoring
Identify resources that provide recommendations and guidance on DUWL disinfection and water quality management
Apply knowledge to select appropriate products for DUWL treatment and monitoring
Describe and implement DUWL management best practices in clinical settings

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

IPUs:
APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s).
For more information, please visit the CBIC Website here.

0 CE/ 1 IPU

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 @ 1 pm ET

Speakers: John Delano, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, FAPIC and Sara Townsend MS-HQS, CIC, FAPIC

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging across healthcare settings, but for many infection preventionists (IPs), it can be difficult to separate meaningful application from industry hype. As AI tools continue moving into day-to-day healthcare operations, IPs need practical guidance to better understand how these technologies may impact infection prevention and control (IPC) practice.

This webinar will provide a first look at the new tool, Ten Key Points for Infection Preventionists – What to Know About the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Infection Prevention and Control. Authors will walk through key concepts, common terminology, real-world applications, and important considerations related to implementation, readiness, barriers, and equity.

Participants will gain a practical, foundational understanding of how AI may support IPC programs and where infection preventionists should focus their attention as adoption continues to evolve across healthcare settings.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

IPUs:
APIC designates this activity for 1 infection prevention unit(s).
For more information, please visit the CBIC Website here.