Healthcare-Associated Infection: Ventilator Associated Event (VAE)
Reportable by ProvidersAbout this Reportable Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)
Infectious agent: Healthcare-Associated Infection: Ventilator Associated Event (VAE)
Description of illness: Ventilator-associated events (VAEs) are a specific category of healthcare-associated infections tracked through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), a database developed and maintained by the CDC. VAEs are identified by using a combination of objective criteria: deterioration in respiratory status after a period of stability or improvement on the ventilator, evidence of infection or inflammation, and laboratory evidence of respiratory infection. Updates to these surveillance definitions are developed and released by the CDC, usually on an annual basis. Very specific criteria must be met to determine if an event qualifies as a VAE. VAEs are tracked through NHSN, with data shared to appropriate agencies as allowed by the healthcare agency submitting the data through the conferring of rights.
This disease/condition should be reported through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
Information About this Reportable Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) for Providers
Clinical Summary
- A ventilator-associated event (VAE) is an NHSN surveillance definition used to identify clinically significant deterioration in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. VAE surveillance is designed to capture a range of complications (infectious and non-infectious) that occur in ventilated patients.
- NHSN VAE surveillance uses a tiered algorithm (VAC → IVAC → PVAP). Facilities conducting in-plan surveillance assess patients for all levels in the algorithm and apply protocol/FAQ guidance for attribution and reporting.
- Clinical response to a suspected VAE is case-specific and typically includes evaluating for common contributors (e.g., pneumonia or other infection, ARDS, fluid overload, atelectasis, pulmonary edema/PE, ventilator management factors), obtaining appropriate diagnostics, and initiating treatment/supportive care per the underlying condition.
- In Tennessee, VAEs have been reportable through NHSN for certain facility types/locations; TDH’s HAI reporting requirements specify who must report and the surveillance scope (e.g., adult inpatient locations in LTACHs).
Healthcare Provider Reporting
Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.
Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:
• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857
• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.
• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting.
• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link.
Information About this Reportable Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI)
What Is It
A ventilator-associated event (VAE) is a way healthcare facilities track serious complications that can happen in people who need a breathing machine (a ventilator). VAEs are monitored using the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) to support patient safety and infection prevention work.
Signs and Symptoms
VAEs are identified using ventilator and clinical data rather than a single symptom. People who develop complications while on a ventilator may have worsening breathing needs and may also show signs of infection or other complications, depending on the cause.
How It Spreads
A VAE is not one specific germ or one single infection. Some VAEs may be related to infections (including pneumonia), while others are related to non-infectious problems (such as lung injury or fluid overload). That’s why prevention focuses on overall safe ventilator care and complication prevention in healthcare settings.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Healthcare teams identify VAEs by monitoring ventilator settings and clinical changes and then evaluating the underlying cause (for example, infection vs. non-infectious complications). Treatment depends on what is causing the deterioration and may include antibiotics (if infection is suspected/confirmed), respiratory support, and other targeted therapies.
Prevention
Prevention focuses on evidence-based ventilator care practices (such as daily assessment for readiness to wean, reducing aspiration risk, and strong infection prevention practices) and facility programs that reduce complications in ventilated patients.
Other Resources
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This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM