Which government agency regulates sterilization processes in healthcare settings?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the correct agency that regulates sterilization processes in healthcare settings. The FDA plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, including sterilization equipment and methods. It establishes guidelines and requirements for the manufacturing, labeling, and marketing of medical devices used in sterilization, while also monitoring compliance with these regulations.

The FDA's regulatory oversight is crucial because improper sterilization can lead to infections and complications. By ensuring that sterilization processes meet established standards, the FDA helps protect patient safety and improve health outcomes in healthcare environments.

In contrast, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines and recommendations for infection control practices in healthcare settings, it does not have the regulatory authority that the FDA does. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on protecting human health and the environment, which includes regulating certain aspects related to sterilization chemicals but does not oversee sterilization processes as a whole. The World Health Organization (WHO) influences global health policies and guidelines but does not regulate sterilization at a national or local level in specific healthcare settings.