Chasing Zero Summit Pushes for Zero Tolerance Approach to Hospital-Acquired Infections

DUBLIN, Ohio, June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In a move that reflects its continued commitment to fighting the spread and impact of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), Cardinal Health announced today that it will host the inaugural Chasing Zero Summit.

The event will focus on the leadership and operational issues that the health care industry is facing as it pushes for a zero-tolerance approach for HAIs. The event features an intimate, in-depth and candid question-and-answer session with influential economic leader and chairman of the Federal Reserve System (1987-2006), Dr. Alan Greenspan.

The summit will also feature a series of HAI-focused topical sessions and presentations led by the country's foremost health authorities, including the chief executive officers of the National Quality Forum (NQF), the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the Leapfrog Group; chief patient safety officer of the Joint Commission and director of the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), among others.

Attendees will also be among the first to hear Dr. Thomas Valuck, medical officer and senior advisor for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Center for Medicare Management, address the August 2008 CMS policy release, which will identify the final HAIs that will have new, lower reimbursements starting Oct. 1.

The Chasing Zero Summit will take place Sept. 8-10, 2008 at the Hilton Washington in Washington D.C. Hospital executives, board members, health care professionals, insurance company representatives and governing agencies can register and learn more at http://www.chasingzero.com/HAI

Why

HAIs are a major concern for health care organizations because of their staggering human toll and significant economic impact. It has been estimated that in the United States:

Summit attendees will leave armed with the information they need to lead effective HAI management programs and to be better prepared for pending HAI reimbursement changes from CMS.

Who

The event will bring health care industry leaders together to share information, engage in strategic discussions and stimulate thought regarding the future management of HAIs. Key panelists and speakers include:

How

Hospital executives, board members, health care professionals, insurance company representatives and governing agencies can register and learn more at http://www.chasingzero.com/HAI

About Cardinal Health

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is an $87 billion, global company serving the health care industry with products and services that help hospitals, physician offices and pharmacies reduce costs, improve safety, productivity and profitability, and deliver better care to patients. With a focus on making supply chains more efficient, reducing hospital-acquired infections and breaking the cycle of harmful medication errors, Cardinal Health develops market-leading technologies, including Alaris(R) IV pumps, Pyxis(R) automated dispensing systems, MedMined(TM) electronic infection surveillance service, VIASYS(R) respiratory care products and the CareFusion(TM) patient identification system. The company also manufactures medical and surgical products and is one of the largest distributors of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies worldwide. Ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 40,000 people on five continents. More information about the company may be found at http://www.cardinalhealth.com

SOURCE Cardinal Health, Inc.