A dozen states require public reporting of infection rates, and more have pending legislation.  A quick guide to your state's status.

What it means to you: State legislation related to hospital-acquired infections is on the rise. If it's not affecting your hospital now, it will be soon. More than a dozen states have passed legislation requiring hospitals to report nosocomial infection rates to the public. When the 2007 legislative session kicked off, at least another 15 states were considering bills that would require more reporting and analysis of hospital-acquired infections. Read.

The scoop: Washington became the 15^th state to pass legislation requiring hospital reporting when House Bill 1106 was signed by Governor Christine Gregoire in May. It requires hospitals to publicly report rates of central line bloodstream infections by July 2008. Over the next two years, other infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia and surgical-site infections would be added. Read The Seattle Times' position in favor of the required reporting. Stay current on the news and check the status of pending state legislation at Stophospitalinfections.org.

Know more: To find out how your state compares, view APIC's map of legislation in progress.