Man seeks new law to make hospitals pay for hospital-acquired infections
Patient Safety Monitor Insider
February 15, 2012
A near-death experience caused by a hospital-acquired infection has led one Virginia man to seek changes in legislature that would make hospitals responsible for costs associated with hospital-acquired infections. John Muncie underwent a procedure last November to enlarge the spinal canal and relieve pressure on his spinal column and pinched nerves. One month later, he returned to the hospital for emergency surgery to remove an abscess caused by an infection contracted during his original surgery. Muncie spent the next two weeks on antibiotics and painkillers, and was required to take daily doses of medication intravenously upon returning home.
Muncie plans on introducing a law that would require hospitals to cover to costs of treatment for all hospital-acquired infections. Although hospitals are required to pay for the treatment of some infections for Medicare and Medicaid patients, those with private insurance are responsible for medical costs and are required to pay any costs not cover by their insurance plans. Muncie's hope is that the financial responsibility would serve as an incentive for hospitals to improve practices and lower infection rates.
Source: The Daily Progress
