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STAR Partners

STewardship of Antimicrobial Resources (STAR) Partners Initiative

In keeping with the critical need to optimize antibiotic use across the state and nationwide, the NC SHARPPS program is implementing a comprehensive program called the STewardship of Antimicrobial Resources (STAR) Partners initiative. This initiative includes activities related to the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs in healthcare facilities statewide. It is currently planned to be implemented in phases. Phase 1 will engage acute care hospitals while subsequent phases will incorporate other healthcare settings such as long term care and outpatient care providers. The initiative aims to encourage healthcare facilities to promote and implement stewardship interventions within their facilities as well as mentor facilities that are newer to antimicrobial stewardship. Participating facilities will receive certificates based upon their qualifying level to display proudly in their facilities, and are recognized on the NC Division of Public Health (NC DPH) website (as seen below), in NC SHARPPS newsletters and in NC DPH Twitter feeds. An antimicrobial resistance and stewardship (AMR/AS) subcommittee was established in 2017 with multidisciplinary experts and representatives from partner organizations to help guide this and other stewardship and resistance activities.

Participation requires meeting of the requirements for each level as outlined in our requirements and check list documents along with a signed statement of commitment (Beginner, Advanced, Champion). All applications will be reviewed by DPH and certificates awarded and recognition given to those who meet these requirements. For those that do not yet meet the requirements for Beginner status there is an introductory level "Stewardship Commitment" with minimal requirement which is not officially recognized but allows access to mentoring opportunities from STAR Partner facilities. This level is also described in our requirements and check list documents. All participants will be required to participate in an annual survey which will allow us to monitor stewardship activities throughout NC and verify that stewardship programs within facilities continue to meet the requirements of their recognized level.

List of Participating Acute Care Hospitals

Resources

DPH: STAR Partner Requirements (PDF, 347KB) document

DPH: STAR Partner Check list (PDF, 317KB) of requirements

DPH: Stewardship Commitment Statement of Commitment (DOC, 15KB)

DPH: Beginner (DOC, 16KB), Advanced (DOC, 16KB), Champion (DOC, 15KB) statements of commitment