There are many agencies, organizations and governing bodies that have developed standards and regulations that affect the provision of IV therapy. 

INS (The Infusion Nurses Society) – The organization that has developed and published the nationally recognized infusion standards of practice. These are the standards used in a court of law to define the competent provision of infusion therapy. 

CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – A federal agency dedicated to the monitoring and prevention of infectious diseases. In November 2002, the CDC published Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections, which included numerous recommendations which are now widely accepted as the standard for best practice. 

OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) – A federal agency dedicated to safe industry practice which has developed regulations to promote safety in health care environments, including the use of safety engineered sharps devices. 

The Joint Commission – A national organization that accredits health care organizations that meet its own developed standards of practice. Many private insurance companies, as well as Medicare/Medicaid, stipulate Joint Commission accreditation for claim payment on their covered patients.