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.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
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ASC Infection Prevention ESSENTIALS
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ASC Infection Prevention EXCELLENCE
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ASC Infection Prevention ENDOSCOPY
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.
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.
Session 1 - From Framework to Function: Bringing Your Infection Prevention Program to Life
Stephanie McIntosh, MSN, BSN, RN, CAIP, CPHQ. Market Vice President, Clinical Operations, SCA
Shelley Hargraves, RN, BSN, CAIP. Chief Executive Officer, UCSD University Ambulatory Surgery Center
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.
Session 2 - Environmental Cleaning: Best Practices from the IP Perspective
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.
Session 3 - 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.
Session 4 - Best Practices in the OR: An Infection Prevention Perspective
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.
Session 1 - Sterilization in the ASC – Best Practices for Patient Safety and Compliance
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.
Session 2 – Anesthesia and Physician Best Practices: Keeping Them Survey-Ready Every Day
Dianne Bourque, QUAD A
This session will explore best practices for anesthesia 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.
Session 3 - From Guidelines to Practice: Writing Policies That Drive Infection Prevention Compliance and Quality
Erica Smith, DrPH, MBA, DISIPC, Vice Chair, Healthcare Provider Engagement, PDI
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.
Session 4 - IP Programs and Deficiencies
Tiffany Wiksten, 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 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 4.00 hours of IPCHs by BASC Provider #7990.
Session 1 - Fundamentals of Scope Reprocessing
Rebecca Peplau, Clinical Education Specialist, Healthmark
Drawing on her extensive hands-on experience in sterile processing, management, and education across hospital, ASC, and endoscopy settings, Rebecca Peplau will provide a practical look at best practices for scope reprocessing in GI facilities. Attendees will walk through the critical steps of reprocessing and learn what to look for at each stage—from point-of-use treatment and cleaning through disinfection, drying, storage, and documentation. The session will highlight common risks, critical control points, and practical strategies to strengthen reprocessing practices, staff competency, patient safety, and compliance.
Session 2 - Reprocessing of Endoscopic Accessories
Betty McGinty, RN, CGRN, MSHSA, CER, Fellow Professional Education, BSCI
With more than four decades of experience in gastroenterology and GI endoscopy, Betty McGinty brings extensive expertise in reprocessing and infection prevention. This session will focus on best practices for reprocessing endoscopic accessories, including critical steps, common risks, and what IP professionals should look for to ensure safe and effective processing in the GI setting.
Session 3 - Common Citations and How to Solve Them in the Real World
Emily Hemingway, Clinical Effectiveness Consultant IV, Sutter Health
A practical look at the real-world infection prevention challenges faced by ASC administrators and IP professionals in the GI and endoscopy setting. Attendees will explore common survey findings, the challenges behind them, and practical strategies for managing competing priorities, gaining staff and physician buy-in, and turning requirements into sustainable everyday practices. Learn how to make it work in the real world while still meeting standards, protecting patients, and staying survey-ready.
Session 4 - Best Practices in the OR: An Infection Prevention Perspective
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.
