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Deciding that the risk of smallpox vaccine outweighs the current benefit of immunization, an increasing number of hospitals are refusing the governments offer to vaccinate key health care workers. Though public health authorities still are expecting widespread compliance, the move has raised concerns that the nonparticipants will undermine bioterrorism preparedness.
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Confidentiality and testing concerns about HIV-infected health care workers are starting to surface as the government moves ahead with its plan to offer smallpox vaccine to hospital staff. Those with HIV would be at risk of dangerous complications, including potentially fatal progressive vaccinia, if they receive smallpox vaccine.
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A recently approved tuberculosis test can be used to diagnosis latent TB infection in health care workers without generating false positives due to boosting effects of the traditional TB skin test, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to distribute some 10,000 copies of a new training tool designed to assist laboratorians in selecting and using appropriate testing methods to detect antimicrobial-resistant strains of bacteria. The new tool, an interactive CD-ROM-based training course, provides the most extensive compilation of information on antimicrobial-resistance testing available to date.
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Continuing to face withering criticism from diverse corners, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has now drawn the ire of a powerful member of Congress.
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In an unusual direct appeal to health care facilities, the chairman of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is asking for reports of nosocomial infections that result in patient deaths or permanent loss of function.
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Though recent research supports the need for more infection control staffing than traditionally allotted, ICPs are not expected to press for a specific staffing requirement from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
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The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is partnering with three other organizations to conduct a study that will examine hospitals timely use of antibiotics before and after cardiovascular, joint replacement, and hysterectomy surgeries to effectively reduce post-surgical infection.
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Effective Jan. 1, 2003, all Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organization organizations will be surveyed for implementation of the recommendations or of an acceptable alternative. Alternatives must be at least as effective as the published recommendations in achieving the goals.
