Section 180. Infection control

A. The nursing facility shall establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection.

B. The infection control program shall encompass the entire physical plant and all services.

C. The infection control program addressing the surveillance, prevention and control of facility wide infections shall include:

1. Procedures to isolate the infecting organism;

2. Access to handwashing equipment for staff;

3. Training of staff in proper handwashing techniques, according to accepted professional standards, to prevent cross contamination;

4. Implementation of universal precautions by direct resident care staff;

5. Prohibiting employees with communicable diseases or infections from direct contact with residents or their food, if direct contact will transmit disease;

6. Monitoring staff performance of infection control practices;

7. Handling, storing, processing and transporting linens, supplies and equipment in a manner that prevents the spread of infection;

8. Handling, storing, processing and transporting regulated medical waste in accordance with applicable regulations;

9. Maintaining an effective pest control program; and

10. Staff education regarding infection risk-reduction behavior.

D. The nursing facility shall report promptly to its local health department diseases designated as "reportable" according to 12VAC5-90-80 when such cases are admitted to or are diagnosed in the facility and shall report any outbreak of infectious disease as required by 12VAC5-90. An outbreak is defined as an increase in incidence of any infectious disease above the usual incidence at the facility.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 07, eff. January 11, 2006.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.