| 5/18/2005 |
Senate passes bill requiring better tracking of hospital-acquired infections
The Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist 27, Cranston) that would require the Health Department to more closely track and prevent hospital-acquired infections.
The bill would add the responsibility of studying hospital-acquired infections to the duties of the Health Care Quality Steering Committee, which reports to the Department of Health and oversees hospital performance in the state.
The legislation (2005 - S0804A) would require the committee to consult with control experts on procedures for preventing hospital-acquired infections such as surgical site infection, pneumonia, bloodstream infections and urinary tract infections.
Senator Gallo submitted this legislation on behalf of a constituent whose spouse contracted a fatal infection in a hospital.
“This legislation will help the state determine the extent of the problem of hospital-acquired infections and how to prevent them,” said Senator Gallo. “People who are in the hospital for one health problem should not be put at risk for contracting another.”
The co-sponsors of the bill are Sen. William A. Walaska (D-Dist. 30, Warwick), Sen. Paul W. Fogarty (D-Dist. 23, Burrillville, Glocester, North Smithfield), Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren) and Sen. Charles C. Levesque (D-Dist. 11, Bristol, Portsmouth).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Waterman, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2457 |
LEGISLATIVE INFO
