10A NCAC 41A .0206      INFECTION PREVENTION – HEALTH CARE SETTINGS

(a)  The following definitions apply throughout this Rule:

(1)           "Health care organization" means a hospital; clinic; physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, or chiropractic office; home care agency; nursing home; local health department; community health center; mental health facility; hospice; ambulatory surgical facility; urgent care center; emergency room; Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agency; pharmacies where a health practitioner offers clinical services; or any other organization that provides clinical care.

(2)           "Invasive procedure" means entry into tissues, cavities, or organs or repair of traumatic injuries. The term includes the use of needles to puncture skin, vaginal and cesarean deliveries, surgery, and dental procedures during which bleeding occurs or the potential for bleeding exists.

(3)           "Non-contiguous" means not physically connected.

(b)  In order to prevent transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens each health care organization that performs invasive procedures shall implement a written infection control policy. The health care organization shall ensure that health care workers in its employ or who have staff privileges are trained in the principles of infection control and the practices required by the policy; require and monitor compliance with the policy; and update the policy as needed to prevent transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens. The health care organization shall designate one on-site staff member for each noncontiguous facility to direct these activities. The designated staff member in each health care facility shall complete a course in infection control approved by the Department. The Department shall approve a course that addresses:

(1)           Epidemiologic principles of infectious disease;

(2)           Principles and practice of asepsis;

(3)           Sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation;

(4)           Universal blood and body fluid precautions;

(5)           Safe injection practices;

(6)           Engineering controls to reduce the risk of sharp injuries;

(7)           Disposal of sharps; and

(8)           Techniques that reduce the risk of sharp injuries to health care workers.

(c)  The infection control policy required by this Rule shall address the following components that are necessary to prevent transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and other bloodborne pathogens:

(1)           Sterilization and disinfection, including a schedule for maintenance and microbiologic monitoring of equipment; the policy shall require documentation of maintenance and monitoring;

(2)           Sanitation of rooms and equipment, including cleaning procedures, agents, and schedules;

(3)           Accessibility of infection control devices and supplies; and

(4)           Procedures to be followed in implementing 10A NCAC 41A .0202(4) and .0203(b)(4) when a health care provider or a patient has an exposure to blood or other body fluids of another person in a manner that poses a significant risk of transmission of HIV or hepatitis B.

(d)  Health care workers and emergency responders shall, with all patients, follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines on blood and body fluid precautions incorporated by reference in 10A NCAC 41A .0201.

(e)  Health care workers who have exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis shall refrain from handling patient care equipment and devices used in performing invasive procedures and from all direct patient care that involves the potential for contact of the patient, equipment, or devices with the lesion or dermatitis until the condition resolves.

(f)  All equipment used to puncture skin, mucous membranes, or other tissues in medical, dental, or other settings must be disposed of in accordance with 15A NCAC 13B .1200 after use or sterilized prior to reuse.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A‑144; 130A‑145; 130A-147;

Eff. October 1, 1992;

Amended Eff. January 1, 2010; December 1, 2003; July 1, 1994; January 4, 1994;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018.