Hospitals Fail to Report MRSA Infections
Posted By dhodges@kennedyhodges.com on Oct 30, 2007 10:37am PDT
'Superbug' Spreading, But Statistics About it Aren't
Hospitals in most states are failing to track infection rates of a deadly bacteria known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In Texas, hospitals defend themselves from suits brought due to infections by refusing to turn over documents related to infection control. By claiming the documents are privileged due to "peer review" hospitals can legally refuse requests to produce evidence which would support a claim of malpractice. Plus, hospitals are reluctant to report infection rates because they fear it will drive patients away to other facilities.
Alexis Grant, Houston Chronicle 10/30/2007