Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) is asking the state's medical laboratories to begin reporting when they detect cases of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Gov. Gregoire has directed the head of the state's Department of Health to "request" that the labs submit the data. Apparently, the Department of Health has already contacted several of the state's 90 medical laboratories, who have said that they're willing to play ball. Meanwhile, the governor is convening a scientific panel to recommend strategies for monitoring and controlling antibiotic-resistant bugs. She's also asking the Department of Health to step up MRSA education. The scientific panel should produce a report on MRSA detection and controls by early next year.
To learn more about the initiative:
- read this Seattle Times piece
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