In a controversial decision, the Trump administration’s move to dissolve the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) raises substantial concerns about the future of infection control in America’s healthcare settings.
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With this move, there’s a real possibility that the progress made in containing infections could be reversed, leaving healthcare workers and patients vulnerable.
The Trump administration has terminated HICPAC, a committee that played a crucial role in setting national standards for infection control in healthcare facilities.
This committee provided indispensable guidelines on hand-washing, mask-wearing, and isolating sick patients, which were followed by most U.S. hospitals.
Effective as of March 31, this decision aligns with an executive order aimed at reducing the federal workforce.
Despite the challenges faced by the federal government, four professional societies had requested the preservation of the committee amid cuts to federal health agencies.
Unfortunately, many of HICPAC’s web pages have been archived without future updates, signaling an end to current and evolving infection control practices.
This is a critical concern, especially given the ongoing threat of drug-resistant organisms and new scientific research.
Connie Steed, former HICPAC member, expressed concerns: “At some point, when things need to change, the guidelines likely won’t change, and then people will be sort of flying by the seat of their pants.”
This statement underscores the dire need for up-to-date guidance and speaks to the committee’s significance in healthcare.
The committee was on the verge of finalizing new guidelines for airborne pathogens, which included a controversial recommendation on mask use.
This development highlights the importance of informed, science-based guidelines in maintaining public health standards.
Moreover, the dissolution of HICPAC removes public transparency in the CDC’s infection control guidance process, directly impacting state and local health departments’ ability to maintain consistent procedures.
In the absence of HICPAC, the collective experience and insights essential for handling future health threats may become fragmented.
The termination of the committee could cause setbacks in the strides made to protect public health.
Jane Thomason, the lead hygienist at National Nurses United, conveys these concerns, cited by NBC News: “While we had significant concerns regarding HICPAC’s makeup and proposed guidance, the termination of the committee removes important public transparency. Without HICPAC’s public meetings, there is no longer any public access to the process for drafting CDC guidance on infection control for healthcare settings. This further undermines safety for patients, nurses, and other healthcare workers.”
President Donald Trump's administration has dismantled a healthcare committee that helped prevent the spread of infections in medical facilities, according to reports. https://t.co/c5oFhiuKs1
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) May 7, 2025
Given HICPAC’s dissolution, healthcare settings must now rely on potentially outdated guidelines, posing risks to both practitioners and patients.
The future of infection control lies in how effectively hospitals can adapt to this new reality, without the centralized guidance once provided by HICPAC.
With the Trump administration’s clear stance on reducing governmental bodies, the repercussions on public health transparency and safety could be profound.
