Kentucky to propose new HAI reporting regulations

The Kentucky Department of Health has outlined a proposal that would amend the manner in which healthcare-associated infections are reported, according to a WFPL report.

Currently, Kentucky hospitals are only required to report infection "outbreaks" that occur in their facilities, and reports are sent to the state or local health department, according to the report.

The proposal seeks to redefine HAIs and HAI outbreaks, require data reporting to both CMS and the state department for public health and require electronic reporting of laboratory tests for certain multidrug-resistant organisms.

The regulation would define an HAI as an infection a person acquires while being treated for a separate condition in a healthcare setting, according to the report. An HAI outbreak would be defined as two or more HAIs that are epidemiologically linked by a person, place or time, or as a single case of an uncommon HAI.

"In the past, we haven't asked that specific HAIs be reported," said Kraig Humbaugh, MD, senior deputy commissioner for the Kentucky Department for Public Health. "We're one of the minority of states that currently don't have any mandated reporting of specific HAIs. This regulation will change that."

Additionally, Dr. Humbaugh said such revision will allow for improved data collection.

The proposal will be open for public comment until Dec. 1.

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