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Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a serious condition that can result in substantial morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs (Powers & Wirtschafter, 2010). Research completed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network has shown an association between sepsis, poor growth, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age (Powers & Wirtschafter, 2010). Reducing the incidence of CLABSI has become a major focus for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and the National Association for Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Every year the CDC releases The National and State Healthcare Associated Infections Progress Report, which includes hospital data that was reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). This report provides updated information about the progress towards eliminating healthcare acquired infections, including CLABSI. In 2011, there were a total of 97 state hospitals in Arizona, out of which 56 hospitals reported to the NHSN. Out of the 56 hospitals that participated, only 10 NICUs reported their data. I am proposing an Arizona state legal mandate for data submission of CLABSI in the NICU with process and outcomes measures.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012). 2011 National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections Standardized Infection Report. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/SIR/SIR-Report_02_07_2013.pdf

Powers, R. J. & Wirtschafter, D. W. (2010). Decreasing central line associated bloodstream infection in neonatal intensive care. Retrieved from http://www.pediatrix.com/workfiles/pediatrix_university/Clinics%20in%20Perinatology/15_Decreasing.pdf