This document outlines recommendations for a healthy and effective infection control and epidemiology program in out-of-hospital settings, including home care. The recommendations fall into 5 categories: managing critical data and information; developing and recommending policies and procedures; intervening directly to prevent infections; educating and training of health care workers, patients and non-medical caregivers; and resources. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 1999;20:695-705.