Government Affairs
Practicing infection prevention in health care settings often involves adhering to federal and local regulations and guidelines. Legislative and regulatory advocacy regarding the development of these regulations and guidelines has always been an important aspect of APIC's operations. This area will provide important information on APIC's governmental affairs activities and governmental activity important to infection preventionists.

How a bill becomes a law in Indiana (PDF 28Kb)

Legislative Update
Spring 2009

Two laws enacted that will have future impact on infection reporting in Indiana are:

SB 207: Approved by the Governor May 2, 2007, requires the state Department of Health subject to appropriation by the general assembly to enter into an agreement with an agency to collect analyze interpret and disseminate findings on a statewide basis until June 30, 2010 regarding patient safety. Makes it voluntary for certain persons to submit information to the agency and makes the reports and certain other information confidential and privileged. This law requires the state department of health to: (1) study and develop quality indicators for infections; (2) publish the indicators; and (3) report to the health finance commission before September 1, 2007 and September 1, 2008 concerning the implementation of the program.

Public Act 566: Was signed into law May 23, 2005 and became effective on July 1, 2005. This act establishes the medical informatics commission. This commission is to conduct a study on health care information including a Health Care Quality Indicator Data Program which will include methodologies for health care quality indicator data collection, analysis, distribution, and use as well as a methodology to provide for a case mix system or other scientific criteria to develop and adjust health quality indicators, including infection rates, that may be affected by risks and variables. This commission plan shall be completed no later than December 31, 2006. This is directly linked to SB 207.

Legislation that is currently pending and will be enacted or it expires at the end of the legislative session includes two Bills addressing immunization of healthcare personnel:
HB 1696 - Hospital Immunization Act
HB 1592 - Long Term Care Employee Flu Vaccinations Act

One Bill pending addresses reporting of MRSA:
HB 1539 - MRSA Reporting Act.

To review these Bills go to the Indiana General Assembly web site at:
www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch

All members are encouraged to visit the APIC National web site for a broad view of Legislative activity from the state the federal level at www.apic.org