Legislative Edition

April 2025 — In a time when healthcare quality and patient satisfaction are more critical than ever, Wisconsin has emerged as a national leader in hospital cleanliness, according to newly released federal data.

Becker’s Hospital Review recently published findings based on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys. These surveys, conducted between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, assessed patients' experiences during inpatient hospital stays, including their impressions of cleanliness, communication, responsiveness and more. High marks in this category reflect strong environmental services practices, staff diligence and hospital-wide commitments to infection control.

Cleanliness in hospitals goes far beyond appearances—it directly impacts patient safety and health outcomes. A clean hospital environment helps prevent the spread of infections, reduces the risk of health care-associated complications and contributes to a more comfortable, trustworthy patient experience.

The data, last updated on January 8, reveals that Wisconsin tops the nation with 30 hospitals earning a prestigious 5-star rating for cleanliness—the highest possible rating from CMS. These 30 hospitals represent a significant share of the 374 total 5-star cleanliness ratings awarded nationwide.

Even more impressive, 59 of Wisconsin's 96 hospitals received either a 5-star or 4-star rating, showcasing the state's consistent excellence in maintaining high cleanliness standards across a wide range of healthcare facilities.

This recognition comes on the heels of another national accolade earlier this year, when Wisconsin hospitals were spotlighted for their top-tier patient experience scores. Read more about that recognition here.