The September 1 Massachusetts AARP Bulletin featured a story about legislation in Massachusetts seeking to prevent hospital infections and seeking to reduce the overuse of CT scans.
Health Care For All worked with Massachusetts legislators to introduce both of these bills. H. 2139, filed by Representative Denise Provost, requires hospital to screen incoming high-risk patients for MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a virulent bacteria that can easily spread among patients, and take precautions with those who test positive to prevent its spread. HCFA and the Consumer Health Quality Council, are working with Rep. Provost in advocating for H2139.
H. 2118, filed by Representative Stephen Kulik, would require that the State study the use of CT scans. Both the spread of MRSA infections, which has increased as a result of the overuse of antibiotics, and the dangers of CT scan overuse have been in the news in recent months.
Reducing MRSA infections and unnecessary CT scan use would save lives, improve quality of life, and save money that could go toward other health care needs. AARP’s endorsement is a strong step forward for these bills. We encourage the Joint Committee on Public Health to pass these important life-saving bills.
-Deborah Wachenheim
Isn’t H. 2139 “An Act To Reduce…”, not to prevent?