As part of the initiative, surveyors in the 43 states will survey approximately 1,300 ASCs across the nation during the next 12 months. State surveyors will employ a new CMS survey process for ASCs that uses an infection control tool developed in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the last fiscal year, 12 states volunteered to get a head start on this nationwide effort to reduce HAI in stand-alone or same-day surgical centers by beginning to survey ASCs with funding of nearly $1 million provided through the Recovery Act.
“Because of the Recovery Act, millions of patients who go to stand-alone surgical centers will have greater assurance that they won’t come home with a new infection,” Sec. Sebelius said in the release. “Residents in these 43 states will continue to see the benefits from the Recovery Act not only by addressing health care associated infections, but by putting people to work to solve an important issue and improve the quality of life for Americans.”
In addition to the funds being made available for the inspection of ASCs, the CDC has also made $40 million available to state public health departments to create or expand state-based HAI prevention and surveillance efforts, and strengthen the public health workforce trained to prevent HAIs.
These funds support activities outlined in HHS’ 2009 Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections. The plan also establishes national goals, prioritizes recommended clinical practices, and coordinates a national research agenda. Development of this national plan, available at http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/initiatives/hai, is coordinated by HHS’ Office of Public Health and Science, and involves participation from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, CDC, CMS, the Food and Drug Administration, the Indian Health Service, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, and other HHS offices and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Read the HHS release on ARRA funds for surveying ASCs.
