Sepsis

“Gabby’s Law” aims to reduce sepsis infections by requiring hospitals to use evidence-based screening protocols and train staff in early recognition and treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

A key patient safety issue

Common infections can lead to sepsis in adults.
1.7m People develop sepsis in the U.S. annually
35% Are from lung infections such as pneumonia
25% Are from kidney or urinary tract infections

Gabby's Law


Under the 2016 law, hospitals must make their screening protocols available to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) upon request. They also must collect and use quality measures to improve their internal sepsis care processes. Hospitals currently submitting sepsis data to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as required under the Inpatient Quality Reporting program, are presumed to meet the state’s sepsis protocol requirements for adults. 

When state money becomes available, the law allows IDPH to recommend metrics that are consistent with national standards and with input from key stakeholders. It also allows IDPH to collect, analyze and disclose aggregate Illinois hospital data.
 


Resources

Get the resources you need to develop policies and screening protocols for sepsis, severe sepsis and sepsis shock.