Frequently Asked Questions - Infection Control Training Syllabus Update (September 2018)

Note: The following pertains to Infection Control Training for physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, medical residents, medical students, and physician assistant students. For all other healthcare professions, please consult the NYS Education Department at Office of Professions at 518-473-1426 or by e-mail at op4info@mail.nysed.gov.

Why have changes been made to the NYS Infection Control Training Syllabus?

In October 2017, Governor Cuomo signed into law Assembly Bill 6053-A which, among other things, mandated the addition of sepsis instruction to required infection control and barrier precaution coursework for certain medical professionals. A full-text version of the law is available here: New York State Public Health Law, compliments of the NYS Senate. (Please select the link for "Laws of New York", then select PBH Public Health.)

What changes have been made to the NYS Infection Control Training Syllabus?

The Syllabus has been updated by adding “Element VII – Sepsis Awareness and Education”. The new element:

  • defines sepsis,
  • reviews the scope of the sepsis problem,
  • addresses the NYS Sepsis Care Improvement Initiative and “Rory’s Regulations”,
  • reviews the causes of sepsis,
  • reviews principles of early recognition and treatment of sepsis, and
  • reviews principles of patient education and prevention.

Should I use the original six Elements and the new Element VII in my training course?

  • Yes. Providers of Infection Control Training must begin including sepsis awareness and education into their courses as of July 1, 2018. A new version of the Syllabus is available here 2018 Infection Control Training Syllabus
  • Supporting references and resources regarding sepsis are also available for course providers here: 2018 Sepsis Companion Document

How often should I update the training programs I deliver?

  • Updates should be made on a continual basis.
  • As an approved NYS Infection Control and Barrier Precautions Training Provider, you are responsible for:
    • tailoring your programs to meet the specific needs of the professional audience, and
    • assuring the content reflects the most current and scientifically sound practices.

When should I incorporate these changes into my programs?

  • Immediately. These changes take effect as of July 1, 2018, and must be included in any programs conducted on or after this date.

Where can I get copies of the updated Syllabus?

Who do these changes affect?

  • All currently licensed healthcare providers in NYS covered under Chapter 786 of the Laws of 1992 are affected by these changes.
  • This includes healthcare providers regulated by the NYSDOH (physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, medical students, medical residents, and physician assistant students), and healthcare providers regulated by the NYS Education Department (podiatrists, dentists, dental hygienists, licensed practical nurses, optometrists, and registered professional nurses).
  • For healthcare professions regulated by the NYS Education Department, please consult the Office of Professions at 518-473-1426 or by e-mail at op4info@mail.nysed.gov

When do these changes take effect?

  • The requirement to include sepsis awareness and education into courses takes effect on July 1, 2018.

I do not provide training for physicians, physician's assistants, or specialist assistants; does this change affect programs I deliver to other licensed professionals?

  • Yes. This change affects training provided to all healthcare providers covered under the Public Health Law Section 230-a.
  • Please consult with the NYS Education Department, Office of Professions at 518-473-1426 or by e-mail at op4info@mail.nysed.gov on issues related to Infection Control Training for professions other than physicians, physician's assistants, or specialist assistants.

Who can I contact with additional questions or concerns?

  • The Department has developed a Sepsis Companion Document that contains additional sepsis awareness and education resources and materials for course providers.
  • For issues related to Infection Control Training for physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, medical students, medical residents, and physician assistant students, please contact the NYSDOH Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Control Program at 518-474-1142 or by email at icp@health.state.ny.us.
  • For issues related to all other healthcare professions, please consult the NYS Education Department at Office of Professions at 518-473-1426 or by e-mail at op4info@mail.nysed.gov.