Healthcare-Associated Infections Declined in 2023, CDC Reports

Why it matters locally: The CDC's report on declining healthcare-associated infections has direct implications for California's healthcare system, potentially reflecting improvements in patient safety protocols across the state's numerous hospitals and medical facilities.

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a decrease in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) for 2023. This reduction signals changes in patient safety practices within medical facilities. Hospital-acquired infections, also known as HAIs, refer to infections patients contract while receiving medical care for other conditions. Medical professionals track these infections to monitor patient safety standards.