Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) policies are essential for ensuring the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and visitors in healthcare settings. These policies provide evidence-based guidelines to prevent the spread of infections, particularly in the face of emerging infectious diseases and evolving regulatory standards. In 2025, healthcare providers in Canada face significant updates to IPAC policies driven by the release of the IPAC Canada Infection Prevention and Control Program Standard (December 2024) and the ongoing measles outbreak, which has reported over 2,000 cases in Ontario alone. These updates, combined with new certification requirements, necessitate immediate action to maintain compliance and protect public health.
This comprehensive guide, tailored for healthcare providers, including clinic managers, infection prevention teams, and administrators, outlines the key IPAC policies that must be updated in 2025. Drawing on resources from IPAC Canada, Public Health Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada, we’ll explore the updated standards, measles-specific measures, and other critical updates. With practical steps and resources from InfectionShield.ca, you’ll be equipped to implement these changes effectively and ensure a safe healthcare environment.
The Updated IPAC Canada Program Standard (December 2024)
In December 2024, IPAC Canada released an updated Infection Prevention and Control Program Standard, which serves as a foundational document for IPAC practices across all healthcare settings in Canada. This standard aligns with global best practices and addresses contemporary challenges in infection control.
What’s New in the Standard?
The 2024 update introduces several key changes that healthcare providers must incorporate into their IPAC policies:
- Alignment with WHO Core Components: The standard reflects the World Health Organization’s (WHO) eight core components for infection prevention and control, including:
- Leadership and governance
- IPAC program management
- Guidelines and standard operating procedures
- Education and training
- Surveillance and monitoring
- Multimodal strategies
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Workload, staffing, and infrastructure
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The standard emphasizes creating inclusive healthcare environments free from bias and discrimination, recognizing the impact of social determinants on health outcomes.
- Ethical Decision-Making: New guidance helps providers navigate complex situations, such as resource allocation during outbreaks, with a focus on ethical principles.
- Sustainability: The standard highlights the responsible use of resources to minimize environmental impact while maintaining effective IPAC practices.
How to Implement the Standard
To align with the updated standard, healthcare providers should take the following steps:
- Review Existing Policies: Compare current IPAC policies with the new standard to identify gaps. Update protocols to reflect WHO core components and DEI principles.
- Train Staff: Provide training on the updated standard, focusing on ethical decision-making and inclusive practices. InfectionShield’s IPAC Training Courses offer tailored programs for healthcare teams.
- Conduct Audits: Use the IPAC Canada Program Audit Tool (PAT©), currently under revision, to assess compliance. Regular audits ensure policies are implemented effectively.
- Engage Leadership: Ensure leadership commitment to IPAC by allocating resources and fostering a culture of safety.
For more details, access the standard at IPAC Canada Publications.
Table: Key Components of the IPAC Canada Program Standard
| Component | Description |
| Leadership and Governance | Establish clear IPAC leadership and accountability structures. |
| Education and Training | Provide ongoing training for all staff on IPAC practices. |
| Surveillance and Monitoring | Implement systems to track infections and compliance with IPAC protocols. |
| Ethical Decision-Making | Apply ethical principles to IPAC decisions, especially during resource scarcity. |
Responding to the 2025 Measles Outbreak
The 2025 measles outbreak in Canada, particularly in Ontario, has underscored the need for updated IPAC policies to manage this highly contagious disease. As of July 2025, Ontario has reported 2,009 cases since October 2024, with significant transmission in under-vaccinated communities. Healthcare providers must update their policies to align with the latest guidelines from Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Key IPAC Measures for Measles
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours, making robust IPAC measures critical. The following policies should be updated:
- Vaccination Protocols:
- Ensure all healthcare workers have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, providing lifelong immunity for most individuals.
- In outbreak-affected areas, offer early MMR doses to infants aged 6–11 months and a second dose before age 4, as recommended by Public Health Ontario.
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
- Administer MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure for unvaccinated individuals.
- Provide immunoglobulin within 6 days for high-risk groups, such as infants, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised patients.
- Airborne Precautions:
- Place suspected or confirmed measles cases in airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) with negative pressure and 6–12 air changes per hour.
- Require healthcare workers to wear fit-tested N95 respirators when caring for these patients.
- Restrict non-essential visitors and caregivers to minimize exposure.
- Environmental Controls:
- Maintain proper ventilation to prevent airborne transmission.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently, as the measles virus can survive on surfaces for up to two hours.
- Contact Tracing and Management:
- Identify and monitor contacts of measles cases for 21 days (the maximum incubation period).
- Implement quarantine measures for unvaccinated contacts to prevent secondary transmission.
Table: Measles IPAC Measures for 2025
| Measure | Description |
| Vaccination | Ensure two MMR doses for staff; offer early doses in outbreak areas. |
| Post-Exposure Prophylaxis | MMR vaccine within 72 hours or immunoglobulin within 6 days for exposed individuals. |
| Airborne Precautions | Use AIIRs and N95 respirators for suspected/confirmed cases. |
| Environmental Controls | Maintain ventilation and disinfect surfaces regularly. |
| Contact Tracing | Monitor contacts for 21 days and implement quarantine as needed. |
For detailed guidance, refer to:
- Public Health Ontario’s Measles Resources
- Public Health Agency of Canada’s Measles Guidance
Other Key IPAC Updates for 2025
In addition to the measles outbreak and the IPAC Canada Program Standard, several other updates are critical for healthcare providers in 2025.
Updated Best Practices from Public Health Ontario
The Best Practices for Infection Prevention and Control in All Health Care Settings document, updated on June 3, 2025, provides comprehensive guidance for various healthcare environments, including acute care, long-term care, and community settings. Key areas to update include:
- Hand Hygiene: Ensure alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with 70–90% alcohol is available at all points of care. Train staff on the four moments of hand hygiene.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Update PPE protocols to ensure availability and proper use based on point-of-care risk assessments.
- Environmental Cleaning: Implement daily cleaning of high-touch surfaces and follow protocols for blood and body fluid spills.
- Medical Equipment Reprocessing: Ensure compliance with manufacturer instructions for use (MIFU) for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.
Access the full document at Public Health Ontario Best Practices.
New Training and Certification Requirements
- Ontario Mandate: Infection Control Practitioners in Ontario must be certified by April 30, 2025, as mandated by provincial regulations. This ensures a high level of expertise in IPAC.
- Other Provinces: While Ontario is leading this requirement, other provinces may adopt similar mandates. Check with your local regulatory body for specifics.
- Training Resources: Enroll in certification programs to meet these requirements. InfectionShield’s IPAC Training Courses provide comprehensive training for IPAC professionals.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Beyond measles, healthcare providers should prepare for other emerging threats, such as Candida auris, addressed in a Public Health Ontario document updated on December 2, 2024. Update policies to include:
- Screening protocols for high-risk patients.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection for Candida auris, which is resistant to some disinfectants.
Staying Informed and Compliant
To stay ahead of IPAC policy updates, healthcare providers should:
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Follow IPAC Canada and Public Health Ontario for regular updates on guidelines and outbreaks.
- Attend Conferences: The IPAC Canada National Conference (May 28–June 5, 2025) offers insights into the latest IPAC trends and policies.
- Leverage Resources: Use tools like InfectionShield’s e-books and consulting services to streamline compliance efforts.
Conclusion
Updating IPAC policies in 2025 is critical for healthcare providers to address the measles outbreak, align with new standards, and meet certification requirements. By implementing the IPAC Canada Program Standard, adopting measles-specific measures, and staying informed about emerging threats, you can ensure a safe and compliant healthcare environment. InfectionShield.ca offers the tools and expertise to support your efforts, from training to consulting.
FAQ
Q1: What is the IPAC Canada Program Standard?
A1: The IPAC Canada Program Standard is a comprehensive document outlining essential components of an effective infection prevention and control program. Updated in December 2024, it emphasizes WHO core components, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical decision-making.
Q2: How should healthcare providers address the 2025 measles outbreak?
A2: Update policies to include vaccination protocols, post-exposure prophylaxis, airborne precautions, and environmental controls, as outlined in guidelines from Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Q3: Are there new certification requirements for IPAC professionals in 2025?
A3: Yes, Ontario requires Infection Control Practitioners to be certified by April 30, 2025. Other provinces may have similar mandates, so check with local regulatory bodies.
Q4: Where can I find resources to update my IPAC policies?
A4: Visit InfectionShield.ca for e-books, training courses, and consulting services. Additional resources are available at IPAC Canada and Public Health Ontario.