Ozarks Healthcare Recognized Among U.S. Hospitals with Zero Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rate

Ozarks Healthcare has been recognized among a select group of hospitals nationwide achieving a zero catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rate, according to the latest Healthcare Associated Infections-Hospital data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and highlighted in a recent report by Becker’s Hospital Review.

A total of 508 hospitals across the United States earned a CAUTI rate of zero based on data collected from July 2024 through June 2025. The dataset, last updated May 13, uses infection measures developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and collected through the National Healthcare Safety Network.

The recognition highlights Ozarks Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to patient safety, quality care, and infection prevention practices designed to protect patients during their hospital stay.

“Our teams work diligently every day to provide safe, high-quality care for every patient we serve,” Terence Farrell, Ozarks Healthcare President and CEO, said. “Being recognized among hospitals nationwide with a zero CAUTI rate reflects the dedication of our coworkers and providers to maintaining the highest standards in patient safety and infection prevention.”

According to CMS, the Healthcare Associated Infections-Hospital database measures how often patients contract certain infections during medical treatment in acute care hospitals. The CDC calculates a standardized infection ratio using several factors, including care location, patient age, hospital size, existing infections, and patient health conditions.

Becker’s Hospital Review compiled and highlighted hospitals nationwide that achieved a zero CAUTI rate during the reporting period. Ozarks Healthcare was one of only 10 hospitals in Missouri to receive the recognition and the only hospital in south-central Missouri to earn a zero CAUTI rate during the reporting period. The closest Missouri hospital recognized on the list is more than 150 miles away, underscoring Ozarks Healthcare’s leadership in patient safety and infection prevention across the region. The nearest Arkansas hospital recognized on the list is more than 170 driving miles from West Plains, further highlighting Ozarks Healthcare’s commitment to exceptional patient safety for communities across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.

Ozarks Healthcare remains committed to advancing patient safety initiatives and delivering exceptional healthcare close to home.

Ozarks Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system that serves more than 160,000 residents across south-central Missouri and northern Arkansas. With its main campus residing in West Plains, Missouri, the health system offers a full spectrum of healthcare for all ages through its 114-bed hospital, behavioral health, therapies, pharmacies, rehabilitation, and home care services, along with specialty and family medicine clinics. Ozarks Healthcare has rural locations across an eight-county service area and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.