In Germany, around 17 million people receive inpatient care each year. In addition, there are medical interventions in the context of outpatient medical care and other healthcare facilities. Depending on their type, care and treatment are associated with an endogenous and exogenous risk of infection. The recommendations of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) aim to minimise this risk on the basis of current knowledge about the prevention of such infections. In accordance with Section 23 of the German Infection Protection Act (IfSG), this commission is based at the Robert Koch Institute.