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HAMILTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which will require hospitals to report to the State Department of Health and Senior Services and to the public certain information regarding infection rates was signed into law today by Governor Corzine at a ceremony at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

“With this law in place, New Jersey can establish a comprehensive strategy for combating dangerous hospital-borne infections,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “These infections pose a serious risk to seniors and patients with compromised immune systems. By publicizing infection rate data, and helping hospitals follow established best practices in fighting the source of infections, we can do a lot to protect patients and cut health care costs at New Jersey’s hospitals.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would require hospitals to report to the public certain information regarding infection rates was unanimously approved today by the Assembly, receiving final legislative approval.

“Hospital-borne infections can mean the difference between life and death for seniors and patients with compromised immune systems,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “New Jersey’s healthcare consumers need to know which hospitals and healthcare facilities are doing their part to prevent healthcare-related infections, and which can do more. Through this legislation, we would empower consumers to make the best choices for their healthcare, and put pressure on hospitals to step up infection prevention programs.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would require hospitals to report to the public certain information regarding infection rates was approved today by the Senate by a vote of 36-0.

“Hospital-borne infections pose a serious threat to senior citizens and patients with compromised immune systems,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “When considering hospital care, patients and their families should have the best information possible, to make informed medical care decisions which benefit their treatment. By reporting infection rates to the public, we’re putting patient care first, and increasing pressure on those facilities which could do more to prevent infections.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Joseph F. Vitale which would require hospitals to report to the public certain information regarding infection rates was unanimously approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today.

“While there is an inherent risk of infection in even the most professional of hospitals, patients should have access to information regarding the rate of infection, to make the best decisions regarding their health care,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex, the Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “By requiring hospitals to make public their infection rates, we push them to seek a higher standard of safety, and we give patients the necessary information to protect themselves from complications in surgery.”