Hand Hygiene
Definition: The practice of cleaning hands to remove pathogens, including handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The single most important measure for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
In Practice
Hand hygiene compliance is one of the most commonly cited issues under F0880 (Infection Prevention). CMS expects facilities to follow the WHO Five Moments for Hand Hygiene framework. Surveyors actively observe hand hygiene practices during facility tours. Low compliance rates indicate systemic infection prevention weaknesses.