New Hampshire rolls out hand-washing program

New Hampshire's Commission of Healthcare Quality Assurance has rolled a campaign intended to foster safe hand-washing practices in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. The program, which is based on guidelines prepared by the CDC, has set 100 percent hand-washing compliance as its goal, and requires leaders of healthcare organizations to make a commitment to achieving this goal. Features of the program include making hand hygiene supplies accessible, offering hand hygiene training to staff and testing them on competency. The program also measures hand hygiene compliance and provides healthcare leaders with feedback on how their institution is doing on these measures.

To learn more about the program:
- visit the "High Five" site

Related Articles:
Study: Hand gel not enough to curb infections
Hospital CEO bonuses linked to safety
Poor hygiene, controls increase hospital infections