CASA'S 2026
Infection Prevention & Surveillance Seminar
This program is approved for up to 11.50 hours of AEUs & up to 11.50 hours of IPCHs by BASC Provider #7990.
IP ESSENTIALS - November 5, 2026
IP EXCELLENCE - November 12, 2026
IP ENDOSCOPY - November 19, 2026
CASA’s Annual Infection Prevention Seminar is recognized as one of the premier ASC Infection Prevention seminars in the country.
Maintaining an effective infection prevention and surveillance program is more important than ever. Regulatory and accreditation organizations expect ambulatory surgery centers to have current policies, ongoing staff education, and a comprehensive infection prevention program that reflects the latest evidence-based practices.
Join us for CASA's 2026 Infection Prevention Seminar, where an outstanding faculty of nationally recognized experts will provide practical guidance, regulatory updates, and proven strategies you can implement immediately in your ASC.
The program covers the essential topics needed to support CMS's ongoing infection prevention training requirements while also addressing the core competencies of the Certified ASC Infection Preventionist (CAIP) credential. Delivered virtually across three focused sessions, you can attend the topics most relevant to your role - or register for all three for the most comprehensive learning experience.
Discounts are available when you register for multiple sessions.
All sessions will be recorded and will be available on demand.
CEU Credits are available:
This program is approved for up to 11.50 hours of AEUs and up to 11.50 hours of IPCHs by BASC Provider #7990. CEUs are awarded on a per-session basis. Participants will receive credit only for the sessions attended in full (either Live or On-Demand). Certificates reflecting the CEUs earned will be emailed after the session's evaluation is completed.
Day 1 — November 5, 2026
IP ESSENTIALS
This program is approved for up to 4.00 hours of AEUs and up to 4.00 hours of IPCHs by BASC Provider #7990.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
From Framework to Function: Bringing Your Infection Prevention Program to Life
Stephanie McIntosh, MSN, BSN, RN, CAIP, CPHQ | SCA Health
Shelley Hargraves, RN, BSN, CAIP | Chief Executive Officer, UCSD University Ambulatory Surgery Center, SCA Health
Join us as we lay the foundation for a comprehensive, practical, and survey-ready IP program. We'll explore the essential building blocks, from risk assessments to surveillance and accountability, and share real-world strategies to help you identify risks, strengthen compliance, and confidently demonstrate program effectiveness. Whether you're building from the ground up or reinforcing an existing program, you'll leave with tools and ideas you can put to work immediately.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Environmental Cleaning: Understanding Environmental Cleaning Excellence
STERIS
Attendees will learn how to evaluate EVS processes, monitor room turnover and terminal cleaning, validate cleaning effectiveness, and oversee contracted services. The session will highlight what to look for, how to identify gaps, and how to work with EVS teams to ensure consistent cleaning practices that support infection prevention and patient safety.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ambulatory Surgery Center Superheroes: Knowing Your Superpower
Christopher Hudgins, BS, ASN, RN, CNOR | Medical Liaison, Medical Surgical Division, Solventum
This session discusses surgical site infections (SSIs) in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), explains the CDC's conceptual formula for SSI risk, and identifies guidelines, recommended practices, and clinical evidence that can help reduce the risk of SSIs in ASCs.
Inside the Red Line: Unlocking OR Best Practices
Amanda Cook, DNP, RN, FNP-C | Center Director, Mission Valley Heights Surgery Center (AMSURG)
Whether you are an OR-based IP professional or work primarily in Pre-Op or PACU, this session will give you the knowledge and tools to successfully observe and oversee safe OR practices. Topics will include patient preparation, medication practices, sterile table setup, implant handling, and maintaining sterile technique. Attendees will learn what to look for during observation, how to identify potential infection prevention risks, and how to discuss findings with the OR team in a constructive way that supports safer practices and continuous improvement.
Day 2 — November 12, 2026
IP EXCELLENCE
This program is approved for up to 4.00 hours of AEUs and up to 4.00 hours of IPCHs by BASC Provider #7990.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Best Practices for Patient Safety and Compliance in SPD
STERIS
This session will explore best practices for ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence in the sterile processing department (SPD). Attendees will review critical processes for instrument decontamination, inspection, assembly, sterilization, storage, and documentation, along with common compliance challenges and strategies to reduce risk. The session will provide practical guidance ASC leaders can use to strengthen SPD practices, support staff competency, and ensure consistent, safe, and compliant instrument processing.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Anesthesia and Providers Best Practices: Keeping Them Survey-Ready Every Day from the Infection Preventionists Lens
Dianne Bourque, RN, CNOR | Board Director, QUAD A
This session will explore best practices for providers in the ASC and the infection prevention risks associated with the anesthesia team's role in patient care and during survey. Attendees will learn practical strategies to mitigate common anesthesia-related infection prevention risks, strengthen compliance, and ensure readiness for survey. The session will also cover best practices for physician onboarding, including required documentation, competencies, and infection prevention expectations.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
From Guidelines to Practice: Writing Policies That Drive Infection Prevention Compliance and Quality
Erica Smith, DrPH, MBA, DISIPC
This session will explore how to translate infection prevention guidelines and evidence-based recommendations into clear, practical policies that support consistent practice, compliance, and quality. Attendees will learn strategies for developing policies that are actionable, easy for staff to follow, and aligned with current standards and regulatory expectations—helping move infection prevention from written guidance to everyday practice.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
ASC Infection Prevention Programs and Common Deficiencies
Tiffany Wiksten, DNP, RN, CIC | Director of Standards Development and Interpretation, Operations and Quality Assurance, Division of Accreditation and Certification Operations, The Joint Commission
This session will provide an inside look at common infection prevention deficiencies identified in ambulatory surgery centers and the key elements of a strong, effective IP program. Attendees will learn how to identify common gaps, strengthen policies and practices, and proactively address areas of risk before a survey. The session will provide practical strategies to help ASC leaders maintain a robust infection prevention program and stay survey-ready every day.
Day 3 — November 19, 2026
IP ENDOSCOPY
This program is approved for up to 4.00 hours of AEUs and up to 3.50 hours of IPCHs by BASC Provider #7990.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Fundamentals of Scope Reprocessing
Rebecca Peplau, BS, CSPDT, CRCST, CER, CHL | Clinical Education Specialist, Healthmark, A Getinge Company
This session reviews the fundamentals of flexible endoscope reprocessing, from point-of-use treatment through cleaning, high-level disinfection, drying, and storage. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of each step in the process and the practices that support patient safety and consistent, compliant reprocessing.
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Reprocessing of Endoscopic Accessories: What You Need to Know
Betty McGinty, RN, CGRN, MSHSA, CER | Fellow, Professional Education, Boston Scientific
This session targets irrigation tubing and connectors, backflow protection, and single-use versus reusable endoscope valves. It covers standards and guidelines for processing reusable accessories such as valves and "buttons," along with cleaning tools including air/water channel irrigators and cleaning brushes, and addresses backflow protection processes for irrigation bottles.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Common Citations and How to Solve Them in the Real World
Emily Hemingway, RN, MSN, CAIP | Clinical Effectiveness Consultant IV, SSCD Clinical Operations, Sutter Surgery Center Division, SHSO
This session takes a practical look at the infection prevention citations most commonly issued to ASCs and GI centers. Attendees will learn why these citations occur and walk away with real-world, sustainable solutions to address them and stay survey-ready.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Regulatory Changes Related to the GI Suite: What Changed Recently and What Is Coming Up Fast
Rebecca Peplau, BS, CSPDT, CRCST, CER, CHL | Clinical Education Specialist, Healthmark, A Getinge Company
This session reviews recent regulatory and standards changes affecting GI and endoscopy suites and previews what is on the horizon. Attendees will leave with a clear picture of what has changed, what is coming next, and how to prepare their GI programs to stay compliant and survey-ready.
REGISTRATION FEES
| Member Rate | 1 Session | $195 |
| Member Rate | 2 Sessions | $345 |
| Member Rate | 3 Sessions | $400 |
OUT OF STATE ASC ASSOCIATION MEMBERS QUALIFY FOR A DISCOUNTED RATE* - SEE NOTE BELOW |
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| Non-Member Rate | 1 Session | $300 |
| Non-Member Rate | 2 Sessions | $600 |
| Non-Member Rate | 3 Sessions | $900 |
*NOT BASED IN CALIFORNIA? NO PROBLEM!
CASA welcomes ASC professionals from across the country. If you are a member of your state's ASC association, CASA will extend the discounted member rate.
Please contact April Ligtenberg at registration@casurgery.org to register.
