Infection Prevention Experts Raise Serious Concern about VA Cuts: Harm to Veterans Could Follow

Arlington, VA – March 7, 2025 The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to Veterans Administration (VA) contracts, particularly those related to critical infection prevention services such as the disinfection and sterilization of medical instruments, proper compounding of pharmaceutical products, and air quality monitoring. These essential services play a fundamental role in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), ensuring that veterans receive safe, high-quality care.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain one of the most persistent and preventable threats to patient safety. On any given day in the U.S., one in 31 patients will contract an HAI, leading to approximately 687,000 infections and 72,000 deaths annually. These infections — including antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, infections from surgical procedures, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia — not only place patients at serious risk of harm but also burden the healthcare system with an estimated $28 billion annually in direct medical costs and an additional $12 billion in lost productivity and indirect expenses, all of which are largely preventable.

“Veterans seeking care at VA facilities should have full confidence that the highest standards of infection prevention are being upheld to protect their health. Cutting critical contracts that support the proper sterilization of medical instruments, safe preparation of medications, and air quality control to prevent transmission of infectious pathogens puts veterans at unnecessary risk of life-threatening infections. These are not optional services—they are fundamental to patient safety,” said APIC President Carol McLay.

APIC calls on the White House to direct DOGE and VA leadership to reconsider the termination of contracts that support critical infection prevention efforts, ensuring that veterans continue to receive safe, high-quality healthcare. Cutting these contracts could significantly impact departments responsible for preventing infections, potentially putting veterans at risk of preventable harm in the very institutions their country provides to care for them.

APIC and our 15,000 infection preventionist (IP) members are dedicated to protecting patients, visitors, and healthcare workers from HAIs, enhancing preparedness for emerging infectious disease threats, and driving cost-saving measures for hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulatory centers nationwide.

About APIC

Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology

(APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org.

Media contacts: Aaron Cohen, aaroncohenpr@gmail.com, 301-633-6773; Malina Jacobowitz, mjacobowitz@apic.org