to main content Hand Hygiene - Alcohol-based Hand Products | Nursing Care Center | National Patient Safety Goals NPSG | The Joint Commission
Hand Hygiene - Alcohol-based Hand Products

Do we have to use alcohol-based hand products?

Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

Accredited organizations are required to provide health care workers with a readily accessible alcohol-based hand product. However, use of such a product by any individual health care worker is not required. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization hand hygiene guidelines describe when this type of cleaner may be used instead of soap and water. If a healthcare worker chooses not to use it, then soap and water should be used instead.
Manual: Nursing Care Center
Chapter: National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
First published date: April 11, 2016 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on April 26, 2022 with update notes of: Editorial changes only Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Was this response helpful?

If no, please comment on how we could improve this response.

If you have additional standards-related questions regarding this topic, please use the Standards Online Submission Form

Get Extra Help with Books and E-books

Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.

Stay Informed with Online Education

Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.

Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts

Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the Standards Interpretation Group (SIG).

Note: To provide adequate support to those organizations that are either accredited/certified or seeking accreditation/certification, we will only answer those questions submitted by those organizations seeking accreditation/certification or currently accredited/certified by the Joint Commission. The Joint Commission no longer answers questions submitted by students or vendors. Thank you for your understanding.