Section 270. Infection control

A. The hospice program shall implement a program to reduce the risk of infection.

B. Infection control activities shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Staff, patient, patient family or caregiver education regarding infection risk-reduction behaviors;

2. Use of universal precautions;

3. Handling, storing, processing and transporting of regulated medical waste according to applicable procedures;

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

5. Monitoring of staff performance of infection control practices.

C. Accumulated waste, including all contaminated sharps, dressings, or similar infectious waste, shall be disposed of in a manner compliant with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

D. Dedicated hospice facilities shall have provisions for isolating patients with infectious diseases.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.