Press Release

Taylor Earns Recertification in Infection Prevention and Control

Each year, millions of patients contract infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings, creating a tremendous burden on healthcare systems and public health in general. Sharon Taylor, director of risk management and accreditation services, has the responsibility of making sure everything possible is done to prevent infections at Burgess Health Center.

According to the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC), preventing these infections has the potential to save lives, reduce illness and disability, and avoid billions of dollars in unnecessary healthcare expenses. The purpose of the

certification process is to protect the public by providing a standardized measurement of the current knowledge needed for persons, like Taylor, practicing infection control. Achieving certification demonstrates a firm commitment to best practices in infection prevention and control and improved patient care, encourages individual growth and study, promotes professionalism among infection prevention and control professionals and formally recognizes those who fulfill the rigorous requirements for certification.

As part of International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), October 17-23, CBIC will be honoring individuals certified in infection prevention and control with Certified Infection Preventionist Day on Thursday, October 20. The CIC® credential, administered by CBIC, identifies healthcare professionals who have shown a mastery of knowledge in infection prevention and control.

Taylor has been certified in infection prevention and control for five years, and recently passed her exam to be recertified for the next five years. Those who have earned their CIC® certification are responsible for developing and implementing infection prevention and control measures, educating healthcare workers and the public on infection prevention, analyzing infection data to assess effectiveness of actions, and pursuing the condition of zero infections in all healthcare settings.

“Infection Control is an extremely important part of patient safety which is a priority at Burgess,” adds Sharon. “We work very hard to keep our patients safe as well as our staff.”

In addition to leading infection control and risk management activities Taylor oversees compliance and coordinates accreditation activities; with certifications in health care risk management (CPHRM) and health care compliance (CHC).

Taylor has served as director of community affairs and health education and held a number of positions at Burgess over the years. She received a BSN degree at the University of Iowa and has a master’s degree in community health administration and health promotion.