Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is an important way to advance the triple aim of health care. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other federal agencies identify AMS as a measure of quality and recommend that all health care facilities have an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). AMS will soon be required for participation in the CMS Inpatient Prospective Payment System.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) plans to honor facilities that have an ASP and are working to improve antibiotic use through education, targeted activities and assessment. This is an opportunity for hospitals to be publicly recognized for leading efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes. The department will list names of facilities with an ASP and details about program leadership on the DOH Antibiotic Stewardship webpage.
To apply, please submit the attached application to DOH by March 1, 2016. The honor roll will be updated quarterly in 2016 as new hospitals apply. To obtain the application or for questions about this program, please contact Kelly Kauber email at Kelly.kauber@DOH.wa.gov or (206) 418-5589. (Meg Kilcup)
