What term refers to established guidelines that may be frequently updated?

The term that refers to established guidelines that may be frequently updated is "rules." Rules are designed to provide specific instructions or guidelines for behavior and can be amended or revised regularly to adapt to new information or changing circumstances. This adaptability is essential in fields like infection control, where best practices must evolve as new research emerges or as public health needs shift.

In contrast, laws are statutes enacted by governments that tend to have a more permanent status and are usually only changed through a formal legislative process. Regulations, which are often created by governmental agencies to enforce laws, may change periodically but are generally less flexible than rules. Policies, meanwhile, outline broad principles or intentions that guide decision-making and may not be updated as frequently. Therefore, rules provide the necessary flexibility to respond quickly to new developments while helping to maintain consistent practices.