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APIC, IDSA, SHEA develop model legislation on public reporting of healthcare-associated infections

Infection Control Monitor, January 27, 2006

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have released model legislation to give state legislatures a template to use when adopting legislation for the collection and reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates, according to a press release issued by SHEA. Such legislation will help assist patient safety initiatives.

The groups developed the template in response to a growing trend. At least six states (FL, IL, MO, NY, PA, and VA) now have laws mandating public reporting of infection rates, and one state (NV) mandates reporting infection rates to the state government. Legislatures have introduced similar proposals in about 20 other states.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are thought to be responsible for increasing mortality and morbidity in the United States, adding millions of dollars in healthcare costs by states and their taxpayers. The model legislation aims to ensure that state-reporting systems adhere to recommended practices that have been shown to reduce the risk of HAIs, protect the confidentiality of medical records, and reflect the fact that some institutions treat more seriously ill patients.

To access a copy of the model legislation, go to the SHEA Web site, www.shea-online.org.

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