Conséquences médicolégales d'une infection nosocomiale

The lawful texts concerning nosocomial infection were changed in France since the law of 2002 “relative to the right of patients and to the healthcare system quality”. This law set up a very specific protocol for liability and access to compensation, whether care is given in public or private practice. There does not seem to be important increase of claims. Other important elements go all to a higher transparence: portrayal of serious nosocomial infection, monitoring of indicators for the prevention of these infections and implements concerning information of patients. It is necessary to stress one more time the role of the quality of the information given to the patients and to their fellows.