The Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program plays a crucial role in monitoring and validating data on reportable HAIs from Washington hospitals. Recently, Washington State updated its Hospital reporting requirements for healthcare-associated infections, expanding the list of reportable HAIs to five. This article will explore the reporting requirements, outbreak investigations, and the role of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) in HAI reporting.
HAI Reporting Requirements
Washington State updated its reporting requirements for healthcare-associated infections, known as HAIs, in January 2020. The state updated the WAC 246-440-100 Hospital reporting requirements to include five reportable HAIs. These HAIs are:
- Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)
- Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI)
- Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection with positive laboratory identification
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia with positive laboratory identification
- Surgical Site Infection (SSI) following an Abdominal Hysterectomy (SSI-HYST) or Colon Surgery (SSI-COLO)
Hospitals in Washington State are required to report data on these HAIs using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system. The CDC’s webpage provides more information on each of these HAIs.
HAI Outbreak Investigation
In addition to monitoring reported HAIs, the HAI Epidemiology team in Washington State plays a pivotal role in investigating outbreaks. When there is a suspected or confirmed healthcare outbreak, whether it involves Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) or other infections, it is reportable as a notifiable condition separate from the reporting requirements outlined in WAC 246-440-100. The team partners with healthcare facilities to reduce preventable infections associated with healthcare and provides technical support on the use of NHSN.
NHSN Hospital User Group and NHSN Long Term Care Facilities User Group
To ensure effective HAI reporting, Washington State hospitals are encouraged to join the NHSN Hospital User Group. This group aims to support healthcare facilities in implementing effective infection prevention and control measures. Similarly, the NHSN Long Term Care Facilities User Group offers support and resources specifically tailored for long-term care facilities.
FAQs
What are the five reportable HAIs in Washington State?
The five reportable HAIs in Washington State are:
- Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)
- Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI)
- Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection with positive laboratory identification
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia with positive laboratory identification
- Surgical Site Infection (SSI) following an Abdominal Hysterectomy (SSI-HYST) or Colon Surgery (SSI-COLO)
How are HAIs reported in Washington State?
Hospitals in Washington State are required to report data on HAIs using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system.
Conclusion
The HAI/AR Program in Washington State plays a vital role in monitoring and validating data on reportable HAIs from hospitals. By adhering to reporting requirements using the NHSN system, healthcare facilities in Washington State contribute to reducing preventable infections associated with healthcare. By understanding the reporting requirements and participating in user groups, hospitals can effectively combat HAIs and improve patient safety.