The Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI & AR) Program works to prevent HAIs and antibiotic-resistant infections. Here are some of the ways we do that:
- Monitor and validate data on reportable HAIs from Washington hospitals.
- Provide consultative infection prevention assessments to hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, dental offices, and ambulatory care.
- Advise and support healthcare facilities and local health jurisdictions during HAI investigations.
- Promote judicious use of antibiotics in all healthcare settings.
- Partner with professional associations, patient advocacy groups and the public to inform, improve and advance the sciences of infection control, healthcare epidemiology, and patient safety.
- Collaborate with regional partners on infection prevention.
Our work
Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Committee
The Department of Health coordinates the Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Committee. This committee advises the HAI & AR Program on a range of issues from tracking of HAIs to readiness efforts for special pathogens (e.g., Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). The Advisory Committee meets multiple times a year and is facilitated by the department HAI Program.
The Advisory Committee is comprised of members from varied sectors of healthcare and the public. Members include: infection preventionists, epidemiologists, licensed healthcare providers, healthcare quality improvement and infection prevention professionals, local public health, healthcare consumer advocates, and the public.
Washington State Plan for Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (2022-2027)
The Department of Health, in collaboration with a workgroup of Advisory Committee members, developed a five-year plan for HAI and AR work across Washington (PDF). This plan will help to guide the work of DOH and our partners in addressing healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance in our state.
Other program activities
Biennially, we advise the Washington State Legislature on reporting requirements and HAI & AR issues.
- 2015-2017 HAI Report to the Legislature (PDF)
- 2013 Report to the Legislature (PDF)
- 2011 Report to the Legislature (PDF)
Beginning in 2021, we are working with the Department of Social and Health Services to implement SHB 1218 which will improve epidemic disease preparedness and response capabilities in long-term care facilities.
- 2021 SHB 1218 Interim Report to the Legislature (PDF)
- 2022 SHB 1218 Final Report to the Legislature (PDF)
- December 2022 SHB 1218 Annual Report to the Legislature (PDF)
- December 2022 SHB 1218 Epidemic Preparedness and Response Guidelines for Long-Term Care (PDF)
Hospital Infection Rate Reports
Visit our HAI reports page and interactive map showing hospital infection rates for CLABSI, SSI, and Clostridium difficile.
Contact us
Email the HAI program for more information (HAI@doh.wa.gov).
Washington residents or healthcare providers should contact their local health jurisdictions for assistance.