An IPAC lapse occurs when best practices for preventing the spread of germs have not been followed, which could cause people to get sick.

CK Public Health investigates all complaints of improper IPAC practices, including those related to:

• Personal services provided in salons, spas, barber shops and tattoo parlours
• Medical services provided by regulated health professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists and others (see a full list of regulated health professions here)
• Licensed child care centres and unlicensed home-based child care
• Schools
• Recreational facilities, such as sports clubs
• Temporary housing, such as shelters or housing for seasonal workers

When CK Public Health receives a complaint about improper IPAC practices or learns that a disease outbreak may be linked to a particular place or service, our team of public health nurses and public health inspectors complete an investigation.

If CK Public Health finds that IPAC best practices have not been followed, we work with staff and service providers to make sure that proper practices are put in place. Enforcement action may be taken if needed. You can find a list of recent convictions located at the bottom of this webpage under 'Recent IPAC Lapse Reports'

If CK Public Health believes there is a risk that clients or patients may have been exposed to certain diseases that take a long time for symptoms to appear, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV, we may contact previous clients or patients and advise them to get tested so that they can receive treatment if needed.

When best practices for infection prevention and control are not followed, germs that make people sick can spread. This can lead to infections and disease outbreaks.

Certain services pose a higher risk of causing serious long-term infections than others. This includes services where tools and instruments are used that pierce the skin.

Tools that pierce the skin must be free of germs (i.e. sterile). If they are not, they can spread germs and cause serious infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV. Examples include services you might receive at a salon or spa (like ear piercing, microneedling or tattoos, etc.) or services you receive from a registered health professional (like dental work, medical foot care, wound care, etc.).

Look Around and Ask Questions

If you have concerns about infection prevention and control practices in a public establishment, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Some things to look for:

• Is the establishment clean, well-lit and organized?
• Are tools, work surfaces and equipment in good repair (e.g. no rust or cracks, etc.)?
• Has the person providing your service washed his or her hands?
• Have tools been cleaned and disinfected between clients?

If you are concerned about anything you see or hear, you can report your concern to CK Public Health.

CK Public Health regularly inspects salons and spas and licensed child care centres. Always check the inspection report on Check it CK before you go. 

• For more information about salons and spas, click here. 
• For more information about licensed child care centres, click here.

How to Report a Concern

You can always report a concern about infection prevention and control practices to CK Public Health. A public health nurse or public health inspector will follow up with you.