Nosocomial, or hospital-acquired infections, are a common occurrence. As nosocomial infections are increasingly resistant to multiple antibiotics, first-line treatments often fail. Despite efforts to decontaminate surfaces and high-touch areas in hospitals, inanimate surfaces can still harbor bacteria for hours to months, providing a potential reservoir of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Studies have shown that low levels of antibiotics and two common biocides, triclosan and chlorhexidine, can promote horizontal gene transfer. Cleaning hospital surfaces is done to prevent the spread of bacteria, but I hypothesize that this behavior may promote the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes. To test this hypothesis, I first characterize the bacterial communities contaminating hospital surfaces and the potential for transformation of contaminating DNA. I then evaluate the effects of disinfectants on specific bacteria. Finally, I assess the potential of disinfectant induced horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. I hope to better understand how antibiotic resistance genes can be transferred in surface communities in response to disinfectant treatment, and ultimately draw conclusions to inform best hospital cleaning practices.