Central lines (CL) are frequently used in hospitals around the world. They are placed by trained healthcare workers, many times nurses, using sterile technique, but central line catheter-associated nosocomial infections (CLABSI) have been a dangerous problem. This is an issue that nurses need to pay particular attention to, and is a quality assurance issue, because CLABSIs “are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs” (The Joint Commission, 2012). Numerous studies have been conducted with the goal of determining what measures should be taken to reduce the rate of CLABSI infection, and research continues today. The problem is prevalent in many nursing units, with some patients at greater risk than others, but some studies have shown that if healthcare providers follow current literature or evidence-based guidelines, CLABSIs can be prevented (The Joint Commission, 2012). The purpose of this document is to summarize current findings related to this topic and establish a quality assurance (QA) change plan that nurses can implement for CL placement and maintenance, leading to a decreased risk of nosocomial CLABSIs . CLABSIs are not confined to a nursing care unit, and there are many precipitating factors that can contribute to the development of a CLABSI. Often these lines are placed in emergency situations in the emergency department (ED) and there may be a breakdown in sterile technique. However, a study conducted by Smith, Egger, Franklin, Harbrecht, and Richardson (2011) found a higher incidence of CLABSI among intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared to those patients whose CLs were placed in the emergency room or in the operating room (OR). . This indicates further training for intensive care units s...... middle of paper ...... valves have also been shown to have an effect in reducing CLABSI. Goeschel (2011) described a collaborative cohort study that nearly eliminated CLABSIs in over 100 ICUs worldwide. United States, which implemented the lessons of a collaborative project at Johns Hopkins called Matching Michigan. The results of this study were so surprising that nursing leaders around the world pushed to match their efforts, but found themselves at a crossroads in implementing these changes. Some have found it difficult to implement policy change due to technical and adaptive challenges. Goeschel said nursing leaders must step up, in all patient care settings, to bridge the gap between evidence-based practice and current nursing care. She believed that nurses should be at the forefront of change, pushing forward evidence-based standards of practice to provide safe, quality patient care practices..