Understanding Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): What You Need to Know If It Is Malpractice
- EvaluCare
- May 22
- 5 min read
Understanding Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): What You Need to Know
When we seek care at a hospital, we expect healing and safety. However, some patients acquire additional health problems during their hospital stay. These are known as hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Understanding what these are, how often they occur, and how hospitals work to prevent them is essential for anyone who has received or is receiving care. It helps you recognize when preventative care practices are not in place and intervene appropriately.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview of HACs and HAIs, supported by national data and helpful resources, while offering guidance to those who have experienced harm. With a greater knowledge based across the US, we can hold organizations accountable. A organization with a rate of HACs or HAIs above the national after can be negligent and not adopting acceptable standards of care to ensure patients get safe care.
What Are Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs)?
Hospital-Acquired Conditions are conditions that develop during a hospital stay and were not present upon admission. These are often preventable and can significantly affect a patient’s health and recovery. They result in longer length of stays, and often more financial cost to patients.
Common Types of HACs Include:
Pressure Injuries (Bedsores):
Occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin.
According to the AHRQ, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. develop pressure ulcers annually.
Falls and Trauma:
Includes fractures, dislocations, and head injuries sustained while under hospital care.
The CDC estimates that 700,000 to 1 million patient falls occur in U.S. hospitals each year.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs):
Infections linked to urinary catheters.
Account for up to 75% of hospital-acquired UTIs.
Vascular Catheter-Associated Infections:
Serious infections from central lines used for medication or nutrition.
Roughly 250,000 bloodstream infections are caused annually in hospitals.
Surgical Site Infections (SSIs):
Infections occurring at or near the surgical incision.
Occur in 2%-5% of surgeries.
Blood Clots (Venous Thromboembolism - VTE):
Often form in the legs due to immobility during hospitalization.
Iatrogenic Pneumothorax:
Collapsed lung caused by medical intervention.
Learn More: CMS Hospital-Acquired Conditions
What Are Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)?
HAIs are infections patients get while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions. These infections can lead to longer hospital stays, increased costs, and higher mortality rates.
Major HAIs Include:
Clostridioides difficile Infection (C. diff):
Causes severe diarrhea and colitis.
Nearly 500,000 infections and 29,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA):
A type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
The CDC estimates more than 10,000 deaths from MRSA infections annually.
Sepsis from Infections:
A life-threatening response to infection.
Nearly 1.7 million Americans develop sepsis each year.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP):
Lung infection from use of mechanical ventilation.
Learn More: CDC Healthcare-Associated Infections
How Hospitals Prevent HACs and HAIs
Hospitals implement various strategies to reduce these conditions:
Checklists and Protocols: Standardized steps to prevent infection and injury.
Hand Hygiene: Rigorous handwashing policies.
Antibiotic Stewardship: Careful use of antibiotics to prevent resistance.
Patient Monitoring: Early detection of signs and symptoms.
Lab Testing: Routine testing to identify infections.
Staff Training: Ongoing education on patient safety practices.
Hospitals are also required to report certain HAIs and HACs to state or federal databases, encouraging transparency and accountability. You can access hospital data on hospital compare.
Helpful Resource: The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grade
Federal and Regulatory Oversight: CMS and The Joint Commission
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) oversees the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP). Under this program, hospitals that rank in the bottom 25% for HAC performance may receive a 1% reduction in Medicare payments. This financial incentive encourages hospitals to implement stricter safety standards and improve patient outcomes.
Performance data from this program is publicly available. Patients can view a hospital’s safety scores, infection rates, and readmission statistics on CMS Hospital Compare to make informed decisions about where to seek care.
Additionally, The Joint Commission, a major hospital accreditation body, sets standards and inspects hospitals for compliance with patient safety regulations. Hospitals must demonstrate they are actively working to reduce HACs and HAIs through surveillance, staff education, and adherence to best practices. Failure to comply with these standards can affect a hospital’s accreditation status.
Frequency and National Impact of HACs and HAIs
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day. In 2021 alone, over 633,000 HAIs were reported across U.S. hospitals. The CDC and AHRQ report that hospital-acquired conditions affected approximately 100,000 patients annually, contributing significantly to preventable morbidity and healthcare costs.
Resources and Organizations Providing HAI and HAC Information
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ):
Offers tools to improve patient safety and reduce HAIs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - HAI Portal:
National data and guidance on infection prevention.
World Health Organization - Patient Safety:
International patient safety strategies.
https://www.who.int/teams/integrated-health-services/patient-safety
The Leapfrog Group:
Assigns safety grades to hospitals.
EvaluCare:
Helps patients and families review medical records to identify potential negligence.
If You or a Loved One Has Suffered From a HAI or HAC
If you or a family member has experienced harm from a preventable hospital-acquired condition or infection, know that you are not alone. These events are unfortunately common but often preventable.
EvaluCare is your trusted partner in navigating this difficult experience. We offer comprehensive medical record reviews to determine whether proper protocols were followed and can help you seek direct resolution or settlement from the healthcare provider.
We believe in patient-centered advocacy and support. If a hospitals rate of HACs or HAIs are twice the national average, there may be negligence involved and medical malpractice.
"The single greatest impediment to error prevention in the medical industry is that we punish people for making mistakes." — Lucian Leape, MD
In Summary
Hospital-acquired conditions and healthcare-associated infections are a serious challenge to healthcare safety. With greater awareness, prevention, and accountability, we can significantly reduce their occurrence. If you suspect that you or a loved one has been harmed by a preventable error, seeking answers is not only your right—it’s an important step toward healing and systemic change.
Evalucare can help determine if a hospital shows a pattern of negligence in not promoting a safe care environment that focuses on prevention practices to ensure that you aren't harmed.
For compassionate review and support, contact EvaluCare today.
Learn more at www.EvaluCare.net or email info@EvaluCare.net
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