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Vitale Measure To Increase Dhss Access To Health Care Facility-Associated Reports Clears Senate

Joseph Vitale News & Releases

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senator Joseph Vitale, which would amend the “Health Care Facility-Associated Infection Reporting and Prevention Act,” to allow for increased data reporting to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), was unanimously approved today by full Senate.

“When compiling infection data from hospitals throughout New Jersey, it is imperative that the numbers be as accurate as possible,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “Through this bill we would work to improve patient safety by ensuring that DHSS is able to verify the date it receives, an in turn, deliver real and concise numbers in its reports.”

Senator Vitale’s measure, S-817, would amend the “Health Care Facility-Associated Infection Reporting Prevention Act,” which would allow for the transmission of data which identifies patients, and allow DHSS to independently check and verify infection data submitted by hospitals.

The bill is a recommendation of a 2008 Government Accountability Office report, which evaluated state infection reporting programs.

This measure now heads to the Assembly for consideration. #

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“This bill would help to improve the accuracy of the infection data submitted by hospitals across the state,” said Senator Vitale, D-Middlesex. “When examining instances of infections, it is imperative that the numbers and statistics be as accurate as possible. By allowing DHSS to verify the data it receives, patient safety would be improved.”

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