[Infection control monitoring of physician practices with approval according to section 218 StGB of the public health office. A discussion contribution to the planned infection control law (E-IFSG)].

Public Health authorities in Germany are obliged to check on the hygienic situation in hospitals, homes for the elderly, etc., but are not permitted to perform routine hygiene controls in physician's practices--with the exception of those that are licensed for termination of pregnancy (the latter exception applies to the Federal Land of Hesse). Public Health authorities in Frankfurt/Main have been checking on hygienic conditions in 16 medical practices in Frankfurt since 1990. Initially, severe hygienic defects were found. For example, in only one practice did they find a plan for safeguarding hygienic conditions, or a dispenser for disinfectants. Severe faults in disinfection and sterilisation methods or in handling medicaments, ampoules etc. were seen in many practices. However, in the course of years remarkable improvements have been achieved. These data support the official plan according to which Public Health authorities will be obliged to check on hygienic conditions prevailing also in the consulting rooms of practising specialists.