U.S. State Legislatures Focus on Hospital-acquired Infections

In 2004, four U.S. state governments passed laws requiring their hospitals to track and dislcose the numbers and details regarding nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, infections (FL, IL, MO, PA). So far this year, Virginia has passed a similar law, which will take effect in 2008. At least 30 other state legislatures are still considering bills.

Stop Hospital Infections, a branch of Consumers Union, is helping to lead the nationwide effort to ensure tracking and reporting in every state. Their website has considerable, detailed information on the issue, as well as a form that visitors can use to email their state legislators to encourage passage of infection-monitoring statutes.

Stop Hospital Infections also recommends the site of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., which has a handy page for tracking hospital-infection reporting bills on a state-by-state basis.

Note: Get practical tips on how to avoid getting a hospital infection while a patient.