This designation is made following a call for applications in accordance with a set of specifications with which the centres must comply and which is defined by an order of the minister responsible for health. These specifications specify, in particular, the nature of the centres’ work and how it is to be organised.
The head of the centre, whose identity is stated in the application form, is a doctor or pharmacist with expertise in hospital hygiene or the prevention of infectious risks.
The Director General of the Regional Health Agency may use the support centre for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in another region to pool the performance of some of the tasks mentioned in Article R. 1413-83, with the agreement of the Director General of the relevant Regional Health Agency.