H.R. 9098 (IH) – Peggy Lillis Clostridioides difficile Inclusion Act
November 6, 2024
Summary:
H.R. 9098, known as the Peggy Lillis Clostridioides difficile Inclusion Act, is a bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives on November 6, 2024. The bill aims to include Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections in the Medicare Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program (IQRP).
Background:
C. difficile is a common hospital-acquired infection that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. It is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the United States, affecting an estimated 500,000 people annually.
Despite its prevalence and potential severity, C. difficile is currently not included in the IQRP. This means that hospitals are not financially penalized for high rates of C. difficile infections, which has limited incentives for infection prevention and control efforts.
Provisions of the Bill:
H.R. 9098 would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to include C. difficile infections as a condition subject to reporting under the IQRP. This would mean that hospitals would face financial penalties if their C. difficile infection rates exceed certain established thresholds.
The bill also directs CMS to develop quality measures for C. difficile infections, which would be used to evaluate hospital performance. These measures would focus on preventing and diagnosing C. difficile infections, as well as reducing their severity and recurrence.
Sponsors and Support:
H.R. 9098 was introduced by Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and David McKinley (R-WV). It is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of over 200 members of Congress.
The bill is supported by several organizations representing healthcare providers, patients, and infection prevention specialists. These groups argue that including C. difficile in the IQRP is essential to improve patient safety and reduce the burden of HAIs.
Impact:
If passed into law, H.R. 9098 is expected to have a significant impact on the prevention and control of C. difficile infections in hospitals. By financially penalizing hospitals for high rates of these infections, the bill would provide a strong incentive for healthcare facilities to implement effective infection control measures.
The bill would also increase public awareness of C. difficile infections and the importance of preventing them. By including C. difficile in the IQRP, CMS would send a clear message that these infections are a serious threat to patient safety and must be addressed as a priority.
Current Status:
H.R. 9098 is currently in committee in the House of Representatives. It is unclear when the bill will be considered by the full House or if it will ultimately become law. However, the bipartisan support for the bill suggests that it has a good chance of being passed and signed into law.
H.R. 9098 (IH) – Peggy Lillis Clostridioides difficile Inclusion Act
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