Section 697. Preventing the spread of disease

A. If a participant arrives at the center with the signs and symptoms listed in subsection B of this section, the participant shall not be allowed to attend until the symptoms no longer exist.

B. The participant shall be excluded if he has:

1. A temperature over 100°F;

2. Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea;

3. An upper respiratory infection; or

4. Any other communicable disease.

C. If a participant develops signs or symptoms listed in subsection B of this section during the day, the following shall apply:

1. He shall be separated from all other participants in care;

2. The appropriate family member or personal representative shall be notified immediately in order to make arrangements for the participant to leave the center as soon as possible;

3. The ill participant shall be checked every 15 minutes, or more often if circumstances indicate, until he leaves the center; and

4. The details of the illness and action taken shall be documented in the participant's record.

D. When a participant at the center has been exposed to a communicable disease, the family or personal representative shall be informed unless forbidden by law.

E. If a participant requires emergency care or leaves the center with a communicable disease, a written statement of health status from the participant's health care provider may be required before the participant can return to the center.

F. The center shall have a plan to implement the procedures of standard precautions.

G. Staff and participants shall wash their hands before eating, after toileting or assisting with toileting, and after contact with any body fluids.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 16, Issue 12, eff. July 1, 2000.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1733 of the Code of Virginia.