Mathias: Report Will Strengthen Our Response to Healthcare Associated Infections

State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-53rd) sponsored and unanimously passed Senate Bill 1805, requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to publish a yearly report regarding certain Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) affecting patients in healthcare facilities. Recognizing the increases in healthcare associated infections, the legislation was strongly supported by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Hospital Association.

“Hospitals are currently using a standard surveillance system to report healthcare associated infections,” Mathias, of Buffalo Grove, said in a statement. “This bill will make the reporting system much more specific; including MRSA and clostridium difficile cases that will enable the Department to report those infections by specific hospitals.”

Healthcare associated MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a bacterial infection that is highly resistant to most antibiotics. Healthcare-associated MRSA infections occur in people who are or have recently been in a hospital or other health-care facilities. Those who have been hospitalized or had surgery within the past year are at increased risk. MRSA bacteria are said to be responsible for a large percentage of hospital-acquired staph infections.

“Specific reporting on MRSA will allow us to monitor and proactively address any increase in these types of infections,” Mathias said. “We must take ever measure possible to ensure quality healthcare for the people of Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1805 has passed the Senate and House and now moves to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.