HB 1123-S.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW to: (1) By January 1, 2010, adopt a policy regarding methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and

(2) After identifying a hospitalized patient who has a diagnosis of MRSA, report the infection to the department of health using the department's comprehensive hospital abstract reporting system.

Requires the advisory committee, created by the department of health in RCW 43.70.056, to make a recommendation to the department of health as to whether current science supports expanding presurgical screening for MRSA before open chest cardiac, total hip, and total knee elective surgeries.

Requires a physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner, in completing a certificate of death in compliance with chapter 70.58 RCW (vital statistics), to note the presence of MRSA if it is a cause or contributing factor in the death.