California hospitals must step up their defenses against antibiotic-resistant bacteria with improved staff training, reporting of infection rates and patient safety practices, thanks to two bills signed into law last week by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

SB 1058 creates the Medical Facility Infection Control Prevention Act, which requires hospitals to improve their infection control practices, screen high-risk patients for MRSA and report hospital-acquired infection rates to the state’s Department of Public Health. SB 158 specifies training requirements for infection control managers and staff at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also calls for facilities to implement plans designed for improved patient safety.

"These important measures will help save lives and healthcare dollars by reducing the number of infections that people are exposed to while staying in the hospital," says Gov. Schwarzenegger. "Improving patient safety within hospitals and arming consumers with information about hospital infection rates will better protect Californians and improve the overall quality of health care."

Don’t wait for lawmakers to order an audit of your patient safety practices. Start with a review of infection prevention’s fundamental principles, including prepping, hand hygiene and antibiotic protocols. For more, check out Outpatient Surgery Magazine’s "Manager’s Guide to Infection Control."

—Daniel Cook