HAI/AR Program Data

Background

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) receives healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and associated data from Virginia healthcare facilities through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). VDH epidemiologists review the data, send feedback reports, and provide technical support to facilities on the use on NHSN. In Virginia, the state HAI reporting requirements align with those of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). VDH reporting requirements will expand as CMS reporting requirements expand. The following facilities are required to share HAI data with VDH via NHSN:

• Acute care hospitals
• Outpatient hemodialysis facilities
• Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs)
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs)

HAI data are reported to VDH on a quarterly basis to align with CMS reporting deadlines. Infection data are reported publicly in total to ensure that no individual patient can be identified. Each year, reports are posted on the VDH website for healthcare facilities, providers, and patients. Data on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can help people learn about different healthcare facilities in the state. It can also help them ask informed questions about how hospitals and doctors prevent and control infections.

The HAI/AR Program receives additional data through surveillance and assessment activities recorded in the Virginia Outbreak Surveillance System (VOSS), Virginia Electronic Disease Surveillance System (VEDSS), and electronic survey software.