INFECTION CONTROL NEWSLETTER


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December 1996
written by and for Long Term Care Infection Control Nurses

Broad Street Solutions
James Marx, RN, MS, CIC Editor
P.O. Box 16557
San Diego, CA 92176
(619)563-0274 Voice/FAX
jmarx@concentric.net

Annual Policy and Procedure Reviews
The end of the year is a good time to review policies that require an annual update. The following list are some of the areas you may need to address:

  1. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
  2. OSHA TB Exposure Control Plan, including annual TB risk assessment
  3. Patient Care Policies/Procedures (Title 22, Section 72523):
Some key points of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan are:
  • Who coordinates the follow-up after an exposure?
  • Who determines if an exposure has occurred?
  • Does the employee receive a written opinion from the healthcare professional who evaluates the exposure with 15 days of the evaluation?
  • Is the Exposure reviewed by the Safety Committee, in accordance with the OSHA Injury and Illness Prevention Program?
  • Is the hepatitis B vaccine offered as outlines in the Standard?

    • The Cal OSHA Consultation Office can assist free-of-charge with compliance. Call 279-3771.
    Infection Control on the Internet- Getting Started

    The Internet will provide everything a library, newspaper, weather report, encyclopedia, reference book, map or a mailbox can provide plus more. Once you have access, you can have the computer search for topics you're interested in.

    First you need a computer. This will be the most expensive purchase in order to start using the Internet. Two different systems are popular- IBM and Macintosh. Both of these systems have other computer companies that use their system. Computers range from $1200 to $4500 for a basic unit.

    Second, you need a modem. This is the device the computer uses to connect your computer to the telephone line. They are $100-200. Some computers come with an internal modem already installed. You may need to get an external modem which plugs into a socket or "port" on the outside of your computer.

    Third, you'll need a computer program that can view the Internet, called a "browser." They are $20-50. Netscape Navigator is one of the most popular browsers in use.

    Finally, you'll need to pay someone for access to the Internet. This is called an Internet Service Provider (ISP). AmericaOnLine, Compuserve, and Prodigy are some very popular providers. I recommend Concentric, because they provide local telephone numbers throughout the county, they are only about $18/month and also give a free website with your service.

    To get onto the Internet, you start the computer, open the Internet browser then start looking for information. You can also search for information based on keywords or ideas.

    In next month's issue, we will provide information on some of the best places to visit on the Internet. In another month, we will present information on how using e-mail can make your job more fun!

    SB 2005 Complience with the Sharps Injury Log

    Effective January 1, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies will need to maintain a "Sharps Injury Log." The new law changes Title 8, Section 5193 of the California Code of Regulations, Health and Safety Code. The "Sharps Injury Log" requires documentation of the type and brand of device involved in a sharps injury. The bill was supported by the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) and sponsored by Senator Thompson. It will be enforced by the Environmental Management Branch, Medical Waste Program and local enforcement agencies. No monetary penalties were included in the Bill.

    James Marx © 1996