January 1, 2026

NHSN released its 2026 Patient Safety Component Manual, including a summary of significant changes effective January 1, 2026. These updates impact surveillance definitions, reporting instructions, and various requirements across the Patient Safety Component modules.

Changes to NHSN definitions can change whether an event is reportable. Infection preventionists should review the annual changes before applying the 2026 surveillance definitions and update internal tools, education, and case-review processes as needed.