Infection prevention and control (IPAC) is a critical component of resident safety in long-term care (LTC) homes across Canada. Recent regulatory changes in Ontario have introduced specific standards under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, and other provinces have similar expectations for licensed facilities. For administrators, IPAC leads, and frontline staff, understanding the training requirements and compliance obligations is essential. This article outlines the key components of an effective IPAC program, the qualifications needed for the IPAC Lead role, and the training options available to meet regulatory standards.
Understanding IPAC in Long-Term Care
An IPAC program is defined as an organized set of activities, processes, and services for infection prevention and control, administered by people with appropriate IPAC training. The primary goals of such a program include optimizing safety in LTC homes, mitigating the risk of resident infections, reducing morbidity, and preventing the spread of infections. These goals are consistent across Canadian jurisdictions and are supported by evidence-based resources from organizations like Public Health Ontario and IPAC Canada.
Ontario’s IPAC Standard Under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act
Ontario has the most detailed legislative framework for IPAC in long-term care. The IPAC Standard for Long-Term Care Homes is issued under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and Ontario Regulation 246/22. This standard applies to all licensed LTC homes in the province and sets clear expectations for licensees.
Licensees must implement a comprehensive IPAC program that includes, at minimum, the following components:
- An IPAC Lead with defined weekly hours
- Evidence-based policies and procedures
- Ongoing staff training
- Routine practices for infection control
- Surveillance of infections
- Outbreak management protocols
- Hand hygiene and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- A quality improvement program
- An ethical framework and precautionary principle
Public Health Ontario provides additional checklists and organizational risk assessment tools to help homes implement these standards. Their resources include best practice documents tailored to LTC and retirement home settings.
IPAC Lead Requirements and Weekly Hours
One of the most significant requirements in the Ontario standard is the designation of an IPAC Lead. The regulations specify minimum weekly hours based on the size of the home. These hours must be dedicated solely to IPAC duties and cannot be combined with other responsibilities.
| Home Size (beds) | Minimum Weekly IPAC Lead Hours |
|---|---|
| 69 or fewer | 17.5 hours |
| 70 to 199 | 26.25 hours |
| 200 or more | 35 hours |
In addition to the hour requirements, the IPAC Lead must obtain current certification in infection control from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) within three years of the regulation coming into force. This ensures that the person leading the IPAC program has recognized national credentials.
IPAC Requirements Across Canada: A Regional Comparison
While Ontario has a specific legislative IPAC Standard, other provinces have their own requirements. For example, in Nova Scotia, all nursing homes and residential care facilities licensed by the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care must meet stated IPAC program requirements. However, the Nova Scotia requirements as described in the available resources do not specify minimum weekly hours for an IPAC Lead. Facilities in other provinces should consult their local health authority or regulatory body for specific obligations.
It is important to note that the Ontario standard does not apply nationally. LTC homes outside Ontario may be governed by different regulations, but similar principles of resident safety and infection control are shared across the country.
IPAC Training Options for Long-Term Care Staff
Meeting the training component of an IPAC program requires access to quality education that is both practical and aligned with regulatory expectations. Several organizations offer specialized training for LTC professionals.
IPAC Canada’s Essentials in Infection Prevention and Control Course
IPAC Canada, the national professional organization for infection control, offers a hybrid course specifically focused on long-term care. The “Essentials in Infection Prevention and Control (Long Term Care Focused) Course” combines 6–8 weeks of online learning with two days of in-person instruction in Toronto. Tuition for this course is $2,499 CDN. The next session starts September 20, 2026, with in-person sessions on November 7–8, 2026. While this course is designed to meet the growing need for qualified IPAC personnel, it is not stated as mandatory under Ontario regulations. The IPAC Canada resource centre also provides LTC-specific tools, including a Long Term Care Surveillance Toolkit (2023) and orientation materials for new IPAC leads.
Basic Infection Control Training Through CHCPTI
For healthcare providers and LTC staff who need foundational IPAC knowledge, the Canadian Health Care Provider Training Institute (CHCPTI) offers an online Basic Infection Control (IPAC) certification course. This course is designed to help professionals understand core principles of infection prevention, including standard precautions, hand hygiene, and PPE use, in a format that fits around busy work schedules. As a WSIB-compliant provider, CHCPTI ensures that course content meets the training requirements for healthcare settings across Canada.
Public Health Ontario Resources
Public Health Ontario publishes best practice documents, organizational risk assessments, and checklists that can assist LTC homes in developing their IPAC programs. These resources are evidence-based and freely accessible online. Topics include risk assessments for animal presence in homes, outbreak management planning, and routine practices.
Building a Comprehensive IPAC Program
A successful IPAC program goes beyond regulatory checklists. It requires a culture of safety where every staff member understands their role in preventing infections. The key elements from the Ontario standard provide a useful framework for any LTC home:
- Policies and procedures: Written documents that reflect current evidence and are reviewed regularly.
- Training: Initial onboarding and ongoing education for all staff, including housekeeping, dietary, and clinical teams.
- Surveillance: Systematic monitoring of infections to identify trends and trigger action.
- Outbreak management: Clear protocols for detection, reporting, and containment.
- Hand hygiene and PPE: Consistent practices supported by adequate supplies.
- Quality program: Audits, feedback loops, and continuous improvement processes.
By implementing these components, LTC homes can reduce morbidity among residents and prevent the spread of infections. The ethical framework and precautionary principle emphasize the need to act in the best interest of vulnerable populations, even when uncertainty exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IPAC Standard for Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario?
The IPAC Standard is a legislative document issued under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and Ontario Regulation 246/22. It requires all licensed LTC homes to implement a program covering an IPAC Lead, policies, training, surveillance, outbreak management, hand hygiene, PPE, and quality improvement.
Do all provinces have the same IPAC requirements for LTC?
No. Ontario has the most detailed regulatory standard with specific IPAC Lead hour requirements. Other provinces, such as Nova Scotia, require licensed facilities to meet program requirements but may not specify weekly hours or certification timelines. Check your local health authority for applicable rules.
Is the IPAC Canada certificate course mandatory for LTC staff?
The course is designed to help facilities meet regulatory expectations for a qualified IPAC Lead, but it is not stated as a mandatory requirement in the Ontario standard. The regulation requires the IPAC Lead to obtain CBIC certification within three years, which is a separate national credential.
Where can LTC staff find free IPAC resources?
Public Health Ontario provides free checklists, organizational risk assessments, and best practice documents online. IPAC Canada also offers a resource centre with LTC-specific tools, including the Long Term Care Surveillance Toolkit, available to members and the public.
Ensuring compliance with IPAC standards is an ongoing commitment that protects residents, staff, and families. By staying informed about regulatory requirements and investing in quality training, long-term care homes can create safer environments and reduce the risk of infection outbreaks. The Canadian Health Care Provider Training Institute offers online IPAC certification to help healthcare providers meet these essential compliance and training needs.