Which agency establishes guidelines for infection control in health care settings?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency that establishes guidelines for infection control in health care settings. The CDC is a key public health institute in the United States, responsible for promoting health and safety through the prevention and control of disease. It provides evidence-based guidelines and recommendations that help health care professionals implement effective infection control measures to protect patients, staff, and visitors from the spread of infectious diseases.

The guidelines developed by the CDC cover various aspects of infection control, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization and disinfection practices, and protocols for isolating infectious patients. These measures are critical in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ensuring a safe environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

While the other agencies mentioned play important roles in public health and safety—such as the NIH's focus on biomedical research, the FDA's regulation of food, drugs, and medical devices, and the WHO's global health initiatives—the specific authority and guidance on infection control practices in healthcare settings primarily come from the CDC. This makes them the go-to source for developing and disseminating guidelines tailored to that particular field.