A death rate, also known as the institutional death rate, that does not include deaths, which occur within 48 hours of admission (24 hours of admission in some countries). Previously, it was that those deaths that occur within 48 hours of admission should not be counted because not enough time had lapsed to allow the health care providers adequate time to directly affect the patient’s condition. However, with today’s technology, this concept is no longer thought to be valid. Therefore, it is recommended that net death rates not be calculated unless there is a special order to do so.