Hospital methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus active surveillance practices in Los Angeles County: Implications of legislation-based infection control, 2008

Pending California legislation prompted an on-line survey of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) active surveillance practices administered to infection preventionists of all 102 acute care licensed hospitals in Los Angeles County. We describe reported surveillance methods. Ninety-six hospitals responded with 41% performing MRSA active surveillance. Comments indicated resistance to implementation of active surveillance because its benefits remain controversial.