Healthcare Laundries Accredited for Patient Safety
Inspecting, Accrediting for over 15 Years
AT A GLANCE - IN THE NEWS
April 2022
HLAC Names New Executive Director
PLAINFIELD, IL – April 14, 2022 – The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) has named Kristen (Krissy) Thayer Executive Director, effective April 18. Thayer will replace longtime Executive Director Regina Baras, who has served in the role for almost 11 years and who is voluntarily stepping down.
Thayer will be supported by Jessica Mckenna, Deputy Director, in addition to other support staff provided by Nonprofit Resources LLC, an association management company. HLAC’s new staff has extensive experience in operations, management, customer service, finance, and all other aspects of the nonprofit function.
March 2022
HLAC Expertise Shared in HHM Discussion of Key Laundry and Textile Issues
PLAINFIELD, IL – March 24, 2022 – Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) past president and board member Gregory Gicewicz is among laundry experts featured in a discussion of industry issues in the March 2022 edition of Healthcare Hygiene magazine
In a sidebar Q&A accompanying the magazine’s cover story on the “reusables vs. disposables debate,” Gicewicz, president of Sterile Surgical Systems, touched upon a variety of hot topics relevant to healthcare laundry professionals.
November 2021
HLAC Names 5 New Board Members for 2022-2024 Term
The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) has elected five new members to its board of directors for the 2022-2024 term: Karl Fillip II, CEO, Novo Health Services, LLC, Atlanta, GA; John Hopper, Director of Operations, ImageFirst Healthcare Laundry Specialists, King of Prussia, PA; Timothy A. Sulecki, President, Energenics Corporation, MaxAssure Inc, Naples, FL; Kelly Zabriskie, Enterprise Vice President of Infection Prevention, Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, PA; Christine Zirges, DNP, APRN-BC, CIC, FAPIC, Corporate Director Infection Prevention, SSM Health, St. Louis, MO.
August 2021
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Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council Seeks Nominations For 2022-2024 Board of Directors
With a “Call for Candidates,” the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) is initiating the nomination process for its 2022-2024 board of directors. Applications, available on HLAC’s website, are being accepted immediately with a deadline of Oct. 15, after which nominations will no longer be accepted.
The board, which is composed of four different director classifications, is responsible for overseeing the management, finance, and operations of HLAC as well as formulating policy. Board members serve a three-year term.
Newly elected board members are required to attend the board of directors meeting Nov. 16, 2021.
May 2021
Report: Processing Reusable Microfiber Cleaning Products for Use in Healthcare, By Gregory Gicewicz
This second report in a two-part series on Reusable Microfiber Cleaning Products provides an overview of the proper processing requirements that are so entailed in their use. Reusable microfibers have different processing requirements from those of bulk healthcare linen items.
The report looks at those differences, plus the standards involved in:
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Soil sorting
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Washing
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Drying
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Inspecting
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Folding
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Stacking,
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Packaging
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Distribution.
The report addresses processing requirements only for reusable microfiber wipers and mops.
February 2021
Report: Navigating Our New Word of Reusable Microfiber Cleaning Products for Use in Healthcare, By Gregory Gicewicz
The report, “Navigating Our New World of Reusable Microfiber Cleaning Products for Use in Healthcare,” notes the role that a contaminated environment plays in the transmission of a wide range of healthcare-associated infections, the increased focus given to effective environmental cleaning since the COVID-19 pandemic, and how “reusable microfiber cleaning products are again coming to the rescue.”
The report includes:
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An explanation of how reusable high-performance microfiber products used in healthcare cleaning are manufactured
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A detail of their advantages
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Factors to consider in differentiating microfiber quality and in choosing a system that aligns with comprehensive environmental cleaning and disinfecting goals.
01-26-21
The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) is marking its 15th year in 2021 as the leading nonprofit organization that inspects and accredits laundries that process reusable textiles for hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities – based on the highest, professionally recognized standards for patient safety and infection prevention.
11-11-20
The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) says the laundry practices of nursing homes and senior living communities deserve a bigger role in infection control strategies, and that its standards provide viable safeguards to those facilities looking to tackle pandemic challenges and beyond.
04-16-20
In Interview, HLAC Board Member Says Reusable Protective Gear 'Very, Very Safe''Reusable PPE can be washed, sterilized and reused 75 to 100 times'
04-15-20
HLAC Says Its Laundry Process Monitoring ToolKit Offers Processing Safeguards During Unsafe Times
04-08-20
To Make the Case for the Integrity of Its Prison Laundry Processing, Missouri DOC Touts HLAC Accreditation
03-03-20
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Release Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council Regular End-to-End Testing, Effective Employee Training Cited As Key Measures to Maintaining Sanitary Laundry
02-04-20
HLAC Advises on Measures to Reduce Environmental Transmission of Coronavirus Organization's Standards align with cleaning and disinfection practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control
06-12-19
HLAC Invites CLEAN 2019 Attendees To Visit Its Booth #4610 to Learn About Its New Process Monitoring ToolKit 'The Hubble Telescope of Microorganism Identification'
06-07-19
HLAC to Promote Both Accreditation And Its New Laundry Process Analysis Resource At CLEAN 2019, Booth #4610
06-04-19
APIC 2019, Booth #1738: HLAC Aims to Increase Awareness Among IPs Of Laundry's Role in Infection Prevention Strategy
06-13-18
HLAC Digitizes Four-Part 'Infection Control Today' Series on Healthcare Laundry's Role in Infection Prevention Strategy
06-12-18
HLAC's Infection Prevention Solutions on Display At APIC 2018 Annual Conference Booth #439
02-08-18
HLAC Names 3 New Board Members For 2018-2020 Term
Download PDF Article
12-05-17
Final Article in Series Arms IPs with C-Suite Messages About Healthcare Laundry's Role in Preventing Infections
Download PDF Article from Infection Control Today
11-13-17
Report Examines How IP Nurses Can Affect a Hospital's Bottom Line with Effective Linen Strategy
Third in 'Infection Control Today' Series
Download PDF Article
10-26-17
Bradley J. Bushman Named President of HLAC Board of Directors
10-6-17
Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council Inspecting, Accrediting for 10+ Years HLAC Sees Marked Increase in Accreditation Interest, Applications; Eyes Another Notable Year
9-29-17
Alsco/Eugene, OR Receives HLAC Accreditation
9-22-17
When, Where, How HCTs Can Become Inadvertently Contaminated Prior to Use in Clinical Setting
'Infection Control Today' Article Looks at Last Phase of Laundry Process
9-11-17
Third in 'Laundry Ledger' Series Recaps HLAC/ARTA Sponsored Webinar: Choosing Vendors, Managing Controlled Substances, and Protecting Employees
9-7-17
How to Maintain Hygienic Healthcare Laundry Where HCTs/Infection Prevention Cross Paths HLAC Provides IPs a Navigational Approach in 'Infection Control Today'
9-5-17
Critical Decisions Regarding Pharmaceutical Waste: Second in 'Laundry Ledger' Series Recaps HLAC/ARTA Sponsored Webinar
8-18-17
'Laundry Ledger' Series Recaps HLAC/ARTA Sponsored Webinar on Handling Pharmaceutical Waste In Healthcare Laundry
7-10-17
Linen King/NW Arkansas Is Re-accredited After Passing HLAC Inspection of Its Healthcare Textile Processing Cycle
6-27-17
Passing HLAC Inspection, K-Bro Linen Systems/Burnaby, BC, Is Re-Accredited Until 2020
6-21-17
HLAC Makes Its Mark on Trade Conference Circuit with Impressive Showings at Clean 2017, APIC 2017
6-1-17
HLAC Re-Accredits Crown Health Care Laundry Services/Pensacola
5-25-17
Citing Numerous Benefits of Accreditation, Shared Hospital Services 'Re-ups' with HLAC
5-23-17
Meeting HLAC's 600+ Healthcare Laundry Standards Mission Linen Supply/Phoenix Receives Re-Accreditation
5-4-17
Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council Inspecting, Accrediting for 10+ Years Mediclean Linen & Laundry Receives HLAC Accreditation
4-24-17
IAHTM, HLAC Say Healthcare Laundry Standards Are As Important to OPLs as Commercial, Co-op Laundries 10 Principles for Facility Cleaning Managers Overseeing Laundry
3-20-17
The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) is saluting the 61 healthcare laundries that received HLAC accreditation in 2016.
3-6-17
Following WHO 'Superbug' List, HLAC Encourages Its Accredited Laundries to Confidently Reinforce to Their Healthcare Customers the Integrity of Its Standards
1-26-17
HLAC Names 2 New Board Members
12-6-16
HLAC: Latest Report Linking 'Dirty Laundry' with C. difficile Redoubles Need for Heightened Awareness of Healthcare Laundry Facility's Role in Infection Prevention, Patient Safety
11-10-16
Coast to Coast HLAC Expertise, Standards on Display At APIC Chapter Educational Conferences
10-5-16
HLAC Marks 10 Years of Inspecting and Accrediting Healthcare Laundries
9-9-16
HLAC Board Members Address the IP Essentials Regarding Infection Prevention and Healthcare Textile Management
9-8-16
CALL FOR CANDIDATES HLAC Seeks Nominations for 2017-2019 Board of Directors
9-2-16
HLAC Says Infection Prevention Strategies Are Incomplete Without Program to Ensure Hygienically Clean, Safe HCTs
8-30-16
HLAC President: 'Disposable Mindset' Among Biggest Challenges Facing Healthcare Laundry Operations
8-4-16
HLAC Names New Accreditation Inspectors
7-29-16
Following Up Earlier Concerns About Unused HCTs HLAC Taps Expertise of Its Accredited Laundries Focus: Collaboration Between Healthcare Facility and Laundry
7-19-16
HLAC to Expand 'Process Monitoring' Section of Its Accreditation Standards with ATP Testing, Textile Bioburdens
Helping Healthcare Laundries Assess Internal Cleaning, Handling Practices for Effectiveness
6-30-16
Making the Case for HLAC - A Commentary by John Scherberger BS, FAHE, CHESP, REH President, Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council
5-05-16
HLAC Board President John Scherberger Named Fellow of the Association for the Healthcare Environment
5-03-16
HLAC's 2016 Accreditation Standards Awarded the AHE Seal of Review and Recognition™
2-08-16
It's Not 'Either/Or' When Choosing Best Strategies to Inhibit Serious Contamination of Healthcare Textiles: HLAC
1-19-16
HLAC Names 3 New Board Members
1-12-16
HLAC Seeking Accreditation Inspectors
01-07-2016
Message from New HLAC Board President John Scherberger
12-18-2015
News Release - 'Healthcare-Accredited Laundering Offers a Standardized Atlernative to Home Laundering' to Reduce Surgical Site Infections: Report
12-10-2015
News Release - HLAC Details How Visit to Laundry Provider Helps to Ensure Healthcare Textiles Arrive Free of Contamination
12-9-2015
News Release - HLAC Introduces Mideast Countries to the Benefits of Accreditation, Standards
8-20-15
News Release - HLAC Seeks Nominations for 2016-2018 Board of Directors
6-16-15
News Release - John Scherberger Named Vice President of HLAC Board of Directors
4-23-15
Clean 2015 Recap: HLAC Sees Greater Interest in Role of Healthcare Laundry Accreditation in Infection Prevention Strategy
4-8-15
HLAC to Unveil New Standards Document At Clean 2015 Show
4-6-15
HLAC's Accreditation Standards Awarded AORN Seal of Recognition
2-15
HLAC Expertise, Standards are Front and Center At Infection Control Today Digital Summit On Healthcare Textiles Management
10-27-14
HLAC Advises Healthcare Laundries to Follow CDC Guidelines: Dispose of All Ebola-Contaminated Linen; Schedules Ebola Webinar for Nov. 14
10-6-14
With Emphasis on 'Preventing Outbreaks' HLAC Sounds Call to Action at AHE Exchange
9-1-14
HLAC - The Standard Press
8-25-14
Ebola Fears Prompt Call from HLAC Urging 'Diligence to the Highest Standards' In Following Safest Laundry Procedures
7-24-14
HLAC Opens for Public Comment Proposed Revision to HLAC Standards
5-1-14
HLAC Says New Report Linking Infections to Hospital Linens Makes a Strong Case For Highest Laundry Standards
3-14-14
HLAC Urges Continuance of Vigilant Standards In Handling of Textiles in Hospital Environment Steps to Prevent Contamination After Delivery to Facility
3-13-14
HLAC Touts Benefits of Accreditation At ARTA Education Conference
2-13-14
2013 HLAC Webinars
1-27-14
Message from the President
1-24-14
President's Message - GROWTH IS KEY FOR US TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION
1-20-14
HLAC Announces 2014 Board of Directors
10-28-13
HLAC Proposes Ways for the Independent Laundry To Overcome Cost Issues of Healthcare Accreditation
2-6-13
New Board of Directors Elected
New 2011 HLAC Standards Released
New HLAC Executive Director
January 2011 HLAC Announces Departure of Executive Director
November 2010 HLAC Announces 2011 Board of Directors
8-16-10
HLAC Releases 2011 Board Nominations
HLAC Accredits 100th Laundry
1-7-10
HLAC Announces 2010 Board of Directors
9-23-09
Nominations for HLAC Board to open October 1, 2009
4-25-09
HLAC Presents Educational Session at Clean '
4-15-09
HLAC Opens Public Comment on Accreditation Standards
1-16-09
HLAC Forms Advisory Committee
1-6-09
HLAC Announces 2009 Board of Directors
10-14-08
HLAC Names Kathy Tinker as Executive Director
8-28-08
HLAC Accredits 50th Laundry
2-13-08
Sodexo Signs Up 12 Laundries for HLAC Accreditation
1-16-08
Crothall Signs Up 12 Laundries for HLAC Accreditation
12-27-07
HLAC Announces 2008 Board of Directors