Infection Prevention Certificate Renewed
Artesia General Hospital (AGH) is pleased to announce the renewal of its Certification in Infection Prevention (CIP) from DNV Healthcare USA Inc., a nationally recognized accrediting body. This three-year recertification affirms AGH’s continued excellence in infection prevention practices, a critical component of patient safety and hospital quality.
Valid through March 12, 2028, the CIP designation demonstrates that Artesia General Hospital has met or exceeded national benchmarks in infection control, emergency preparedness, risk mitigation, and related policies and procedures. The program integrates standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
“This certification reflects the incredible work of our team and our dedication to keeping patients safe,” said Dr. Marshall Baca, Jr., Chair of the Infection Control Committee. “Infection prevention is one of the most vital aspects of high-quality care, and this renewal is a powerful testament to the systems and culture we’ve built at Artesia General Hospital.”
A Culture of Safety Led by Local Expertise
At the heart of AGH’s infection prevention success is Brandi Ford, BSN, RN, CIC, a Board-Certified Infection Control Nurse who leads the hospital’s infection prevention and control program. Ford brings both clinical expertise and a deep who passion for quality improvement to her role, coordinating efforts across departments to ensure that protocols are consistently implemented, monitored, and improved.
“This certification validates the daily commitment our team brings to protecting not just our patients, but also their families, our staff, and the broader community,” said Ford. “Infection prevention is more than a set of policies—it’s a mindset. It takes every department working together, every day, to reduce risk and provide the safest environment possible.”
Ford has played an instrumental role in training hospital staff, improving hand hygiene compliance, updating sterilization practices, managing outbreak protocols, and ensuring readiness for unexpected events like pandemics or emerging threats.
Another department that plays an important role is Environmental Services which helps maintain the cleanliness level at the hospital. EVS staff are responsible for room turnover and maintaining rigorous standards for disinfection throughout the facility.
Commitment Beyond Compliance
DNV’s Certification in Infection Prevention isn’t a one-time achievement—it requires hospitals to maintain continuous compliance with best practices through annual assessments. The most recent DNV recertification survey, conducted on March 11–12, 2025, included detailed on-site evaluations of AGH’s clinical and operational practices.
The CIP program evaluates the hospital’s entire infection prevention system, including:
- Standard and transmission-based precautions
- Surveillance and data tracking of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)
- Employee education and training
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection
- Surgical and procedural safety
- Emergency preparedness planning
- Cross-departmental communication and accountability
Earning this recertification positions Artesia General Hospital among a select group of healthcare facilities nationwide that have demonstrated sustained commitment to comprehensive infection control.
Keeping Southeast New Mexico Safe with Infection Prevention
As the trusted healthcare provider for Artesia, Carlsbad, Roswell, and the surrounding areas, AGH’s continued CIP certification enhances its ability to provide safe, evidence-based care across all service lines. From inpatient stays and surgeries to outpatient procedures and wound care, patients can have confidence that infection prevention is always prioritized.
“Our goal is to bring world-class care to our rural region,” added Dr. Salgado. “Through certifications like this, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and ensure that every person who walks through our doors receives care that is both compassionate and safe.”
For more information about Artesia General Hospital’s quality initiatives and infection prevention program, visit www.artesiageneral.com.