AHE has started this initiative to encourage professionals in the field to begin, or continue to refer to the departments and the personnel caring for the healthcare environment as environmental services professionals rather than as housekeepers, janitors and custodians. The staff and management teams responsible for maintaining the clinical environment of care require different skills and competencies from those needed in the commercial cleaning and general maintenance industry, and it's time we address this critical distinction.

Please help us redefine healthcare environmental services!

American Laundry News
A lot has changed in laundry operations in the last 15 years as a result of new technology.

Health Facilities Management
A medical center in Baltimore is using the Association for the Healthcare Environment's Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician curriculum as part of a free training program for people interested in a career in environmental services.

CleanLink
Following a flood incident, several important steps can be taken to clean and disinfect a facility.

Infection Control Today
Flu activity has become more widespread, with activity reported in nearly every state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest influenza update.

Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control
The Joint Commission has issued an update to its hand hygiene standard, effective January 1, 2018.

Contagion Live
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a final rule concerning 24 active ingredients in over-the-counter antiseptic washes and hand soaps, including triclosan.

Forbes
Offering feedback, helping them improve their skills and mentoring are among the ways to effectively prepare millennials for leadership responsibilities.

Business Administration Information
Some potential resolutions for leaders in the new year include jointing a professional association, revisiting your succession plan and setting realistic goals.

By Vince Fagan

To acknowledge the ongoing and outstanding sustainability efforts of healthcare facilities - and environmental service departments in particular - the AHE presents the Environmental Sustainability Certificate Program. This program not only provides guidance on efficient, effective and value-added environmentally sustainable healthcare operations, but also provides it in such a way that is achievable within all budgets.