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PA first to report healthcare-acquired infection information

Infection Control Monitor, July 15, 2005

In a landmark event earlier this week, Pennsylvania hospitals reported that 11,668 patients contracted healthcare-acquired infections in 2004 and 1,793 died from these infections, reports the Associated Press.

Pennsylvania is one of several states that require hospitals to report infection data, but just the first state to publicize this information. Supporters of mandatory reporting believe that collecting, analyzing, and revealing infection data will help hospitals provide better and safer care for patients.

Lower infection rates also mean lower costs for hospitals. Pennsylvania spent an additional $2 billion in 2004 to accommodate an additional 205,000 hospital days.

The other states that require hospitals to report infections are Florida, Virginia, Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri. Many more states are waiting on legislation to pass.

To learn what is happening in your state, click here.

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