Variation in public reporting of central line-associated bloodstream infections by state.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are common, costly, and largely preventable. Consumers who want high-quality care should have access to CLABSI rates to make health care decisions. The authors searched state health department Web sites for publicly available CLABSI data. Fourteen states, all with mandatory CLABSI monitoring laws, had publicly available data. The authors identified significant variation in the presentation of infection rates, methods of risk adjustment, locations and care settings reported, time span of data collection, and time lag to reporting. The wide variation in availability and content of information illustrates the need for standardized CLABSI monitoring and reporting mechanisms.