Section 90. Infection control program

A. The assisted living 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 include all staff and services and the entire physical plant and grounds.

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

1. Establishing procedures to isolate the infecting organism;

2. Providing easy access to handwashing equipment for all staff and volunteers;

3. Training for and supervisory monitoring of all staff and volunteers in proper handwashing techniques, according to accepted professional standards, to prevent cross contamination;

4. Training for all staff and volunteers in appropriate implementation of standard precautions;

5. Prohibiting staff and volunteers with communicable diseases or infections from direct contact with residents or their food, if direct contact may transmit disease;

6. Monitoring performance of infection control practices by staff and volunteers;

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 medical waste in accordance with applicable regulations;

9. Maintaining an effective pest control program; and

10. Providing staff and volunteer education regarding infection risk-reduction behavior.

D. The methods utilized for infection control shall be described in a written document that shall be available to all staff.

E. The facility administrator shall immediately make or cause to be made a report of an outbreak of disease as defined by the Virginia Board of Health. Such report shall be made by rapid means to the local health director or to the Commissioner of the Department of Health.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 23, Issue 06, eff. December 28, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 08, eff. February 5, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1732 of the Code of Virginia.