“…In a collaborative effort, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the American Hospital Association, and The Joint Commission published an expert guidance document on infection hazards, including fingernails/nail folds, sinks, and excessive handwashing. 2 Their new recommendations for healthcare workers include: 2,3 • Nails should remain natural and not extend beyond the fingertips • Avoid overwashing hands so that they do not become dry or cracked, facilitating increased bacterial carriage. Use alcohol-based sanitizers; however, after repeated hand sanitizer use, soap and water rinse are often needed • Place hand sanitizer dispensers both inside and outside every patient's room • Position dedicated handwashing sinks and do not dispose of other fluids in these sinks (biofilms can form on disposed products, with organisms becoming aerosolized, spreading disease) • Clean sink drains with products newly approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency that can remove biofilm, rather than using bleach.…”