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From the National Institutes of Health
Mouse Studies of Oseltamivir Show Promise Against H5N1 Influenza Virus http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jul2005/niaid-18.htm

From: American Health Lawyers Association Health Law Highlights Volume 7, Issue 28 July 18, 2005

Hospital-Acquired Infections Resulted In An Estimated $2 Billion In Additional Hospital Charges, 205,000 Extra Hospital Days, Shows Data From Pennsylvania Hospitals   Hospital-acquired infections in Pennsylvania hospitals were associated with 1,510 more deaths, an estimated 205,000 extra hospital days, and an additional $2 billion in hospital charges, according to a research brief released July 13 by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council ( PHC 4), assessing data collected in 2004.   The data showed there were 7.5 hospital-acquired infections per every 1,000 patients admitted to Pennsylvania 's general acute care hospitals, resulting in a total of 11,668 confirmed infections. Urinary tract infections were the most commonly reported infection, while patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia had the highest mortality rate, found the brief. Pennsylvania is the first state to collect such data, said PHC 4, the independent state agency responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting the information, making this the first report of its kind.

To view PHC 4's news release, go to http://www.phc4.org/reports/researchbriefs/071205/nr071205.htm

To view the research brief, click here.

CANCER DRUG SLOWS POXVIRUS IN MICE
June 27, 2005
This NIH News Release is available online at:
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jun2005/niaid-27.htm

From AHA News Now June 27, 2005

Group suggests steps to prepare nation for flu pandemic
A new report by Trust for America's Health recommends steps to increase the nation's preparedness for a flu pandemic, projecting a pandemic could cause more than a half million deaths and two million hospitalizations. Among other action, the report recommends states develop auxiliary treatment sites to expand hospital surge capacity, and that the federal government stockpile additional antiviral medications and work with states to develop systems to track and distribute antiviral medications and vaccines.

JCAHO offers guidance on 2006 National Patient Safety Goals
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has issued guidance for hospitals and other accredited health care organizations implementing its 2006 National Patient Safety Goals, which take effect in January. JCAHO evaluates providers on their compliance with the requirements, which aim to promote specific improvements in patient safety, as a condition of accreditation.

From AHA News Now June 20, 2005

IDSA urges HHS to stockpile more anti-viral drugs for a flu pandemic
In a recent letter to HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, the Infectious Diseases Society of America expressed concerns over the pace of U.S. preparation for a flu pandemic, and specifically urged the Department of Health and Human Services to accelerate the development of "an adequate stockpile" of flu antiviral drugs. Noting that HHS has about 2.3 million "treatment courses" of antiviral drugs available, the IDSA calls for at least 52 million to 84 million treatment courses to treat those sick with flu, and another 15 million to 40 million to provide preventive treatment to essential health care workers and emergency responders.

From kaisernetwork.org Daily Reports.

Chiron Announces It Will Produce Fewer Flu Shots Next Year
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=30803

Emerging Infectious Disease Journal

The June 2005 issue has several articles on MRSA.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/index.htm

From the May 6, 2005 AHA News Now:

HHS awards contract to make anthrax vaccine for national stockpile
The Department of Health and Human Services today awarded a $122.7 million contract to a Michigan company to make and deliver 5 million doses of anthrax vaccine for use in the event of a bioterror anthrax incident. The licensed vaccine will be placed in the nations Strategic National Stockpile. The contract is the third awarded under Project BioShield, a program enacted by Congress last summer to accelerate the development, purchase and availability of medical countermeasures for biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear threats. HHS' Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness oversees research and procurement efforts under the program.

HHS Announces $1.3 Billion in Funding to States for Bioterrorism Preparedness
May 13, 2005
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2005pres/20050513.html

FDA Approves Combination Booster Vaccine
May 3, 2005
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2005/ANS01354.html

FACILITYCARE EMAIL REPORT
May 2, 2005 http://www.facilitycare.com
LEADING NEWS
AHA Issues Disaster Readiness Advisory #15
The American Hospital Association (AHA) recently posted Disaster Readiness Advisory #15 on its Web site.

According to the April 25, 2005, advisory, several recent reports have been made about individuals alleging to represent the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or other organizations, and asking for access to a hospital or information on hospital operations. After failing to present the proper identification when questioned, the individuals left the facilities without further incident.

In response to these incidents of concern, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the Information Bulletin, "False Hospital Inspections." This guidance document provides steps that hospitals and healthcare facilities can take to protect its patients and the building.

To view Disaster Readiness Advisory #15/DHS Guidance Document, visit
http://www.aha.org/aha/key_issues/disaster_readiness/content/advisory15.pdf.