Nation’s Infection Prevention Experts Raise Alarm About Cuts to Patient Safety Efforts

Recent reports have indicated that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) may face devastating cuts of up to 90% of its personnel under the current Administration. As a small agency with only 300 employees and around $370 million in funding, AHRQ operates with remarkable efficiency. AHRQ's work has been instrumental in making healthcare safer and more cost-effective, preventing tens of thousands of deaths and saving billions of dollars each year.

Thanks to enhanced infection prevention practices and evidence-based interventions supported by AHRQ, annual deaths from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have dropped from 99,000 in 2002 to 72,000 today. This remarkable progress is largely due to AHRQ's Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP), which provides free toolkits and practical guidance that empower healthcare facilities to achieve measurable reductions in HAIs.

The financial benefits of AHRQ's work are equally impressive. By providing accessible, evidence-based resources, AHRQ has helped prevent millions of infections and saved billions of dollars in healthcare costs. Investing in infection prevention and patient safety through AHRQ's programs is far more cost-effective than addressing the devastating consequences of increased HAIs, preventable illness, and deaths.

As APIC President Carol McLay DrPH, MPH, RN, CIC FAPIC, FSHEA, explains, "AHRQ specializes in providing healthcare facilities with practical, evidence-based tools that make healthcare safer for everyone. From preventing deadly bloodstream infections to reducing surgical complications, AHRQ's resources help healthcare workers put proven safety practices into action. It's the kind of work that quietly protects millions of patients every year."

President McLay further emphasizes "AHRQ has consistently provided the tools and resources needed to turn research into real-world solutions. It's not just about data; it's about giving healthcare facilities what they need to save lives and prevent harm. Reducing their funding would be a tremendous setback for patient safety nationwide."

We urge decision-makers to recognize the irreplaceable value of AHRQ and ensure its continued ability to make healthcare safer, protect patients and families, and save lives.