VDH PUD HAI Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms(CPOs) ARLN Submissions

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AR) Program was formally established in 2009 with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to build program capacity to enhance surveillance activities, and to participate in prevention collaborative and educational activities.

Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) were added to the reportable disease list and conditions reportable by directors of laboratories. Thus, the responsibility for reporting the presence of these organisms rests with physicians, directors of medical care facilities, and directors of laboratories. Because of the special laboratory testing needed to identify and confirm these organisms, however, it is expected that laboratories will be the primary responsible party for reporting these organisms.