Recent News, Updates & Information
Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance Through MCR-1 and MCR-2 Plasmid Resistance
CDC has released guidance for healthcare facilities and cr-1 resistance mechanism testing is available through NJDOH for clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates with resistance. Hospitals and laboratories should report any Enterobacteriaceae with a Colistin MIC >= 4 to the Antibiotic Resistance Coordinator.
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What are Healthcare Associated Infections?
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) refer to any type of disease acquired at a healthcare facility. Examples of HAIs include someone getting a staph infection after being exposed to an unclean hospital bed. Antibiotic-resistant organisms are often associated with healthcare facilities and unsafe injection practices and instances of drug diversion can put patients at risk of acquiring an HAI.
NJ Antimicrobial Stewardship Recognition Program
Infection Control Assessment & Response (ICAR) Program
The Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) program is one of New Jersey's recent initiatives to help reduce HAIs in healthcare facilities.
HAI and Multi-Drug-Resistant Organism Reporting
As per NJAC 8:57, all outbreaks of disease should be immediately reported to the local health department. Both NJDOH licensed and unlicensed healthcare facilities are required to report disease outbreaks. Suspected or confirmed outbreaks of HAIs should be reported, including outbreaks or clusters of multi-drug resistant organisms, breaches of injection safety practices that may put patients at risk, and instances of drug diversion.
Drug Diversion
Drug diversion is a growing concern in New Jersey healthcare facilities. When healthcare workers tamper with or use medications meant for patients, they put patient's lives at risk.
Antibiotic Resistance and Stewardship Programs
Antibiotic-resistant infections happen when bacteria in your body stop responding to antibiotics meant to kill them. To learn more about the basics of antibiotic resistance click here.
Antibiotic stewardhip programs are meant to improve antibiotic use through core elements including accountability, action, and education. To learn more about becoming an antibiotic steward or implementing stewardship programs in your healthcare facility, click here.
Injection Safety
In 2011, NJDOH created the first Safe Injection Ambassador Program to teach healthcare professionals about safe injection practices across the healthcare spectrum. NJDOH is also part of multiple injection safety related programs. These programs include the Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC) and the One and Only Campaign.
