New Texas Facility-Specific HAI Reports are Released
The Texas Department of State Health Services has released the Texas Facility-Specific Health Care Associated Infections (HAI) reports for data reported January 2013 to July 2013. These reports are available for viewing at http://txhsn.dshs.texas.gov/hai/.   Â
To date, 30 states including Texas and the District of Columbia use CDCs National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) to fulfill the requirement of public reporting, creating greater transparency between health care facilities and the public while encouraging greater accountability. Texas legislatively mandated licensed general hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers to report surgical site infections following certain surgical procedures and central line-associated bloodstream infections in adult and neonatal critical care units. Data provided in the facility-specific reports are self-reported by each facility.
Texas Department of State Health Services Clinical Specialist conducted site visits at over 25 healthcare facilities in 2012 to validate reported data.
For additional information regarding HAI data in Texas, visit www.HAITexas.org.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
Phage Therapy’s Future: Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance With Precision Viruses
April 24th 2025Bacteriophage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to increase. Dr. Ran Nir-Paz discusses its potential, challenges, and future applications in this technology.
