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New group calls on NY hospitals to release infection data to public

Infection Control Monitor, August 20, 2004

A new committee in New York state is urging hospitals to make public their infection rates, a practice that is not mandatory there or in most states, The New York Sun reports.

The Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths initially plans to ask hospitals to work with its members to come up with an easy-to-understand and risk-adjusted reporting system. The committee also intends to lobby for mandatory reporting.

Hospitals have argued in the past that releasing infection data can be misleading because factors such as patient age and condition complicate matters. They also note that creating a formula that takes into account risk factors is more challenging than it seems.

Public disclosure of infection rates will allow patients, health insurers, and employers who purchase health plans to shop around for what they believe to be the safest facilities.

The committee consists of high-profile business, press, medical, and health insurance professionals.

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