Several new and updated resources are now available for Long Term Care Facilities. All resources can be ordered by calling APIC, 202-296-2742 or Fax 202-296-5645. Here is a listing, description and rating of 1 through 5:

Patient and Family Education Pamphlets on Computer Disk-
This new product is IBM formatted and contains 19 patient and family education pamphlets. These pamphlets may be customized for a variety of uses. Topics include: Hepatitis B, hepatitis C herpes, HIV, Infection Control, MRSA, VRE, Scabies, Tuberculosis.
Cost: $74.00 APIC members, $96.00 non-members
Jim's Rating: 3

Influenza Prevention Package-
Another new product designed for community and healthcare worker education. Package includes instructor guide and lesson plan, handout on IBM formatted disk, masters for transparencies, press release sample, staff bulletin sample and PowerPoint slide presentation.
Cost: $22.00 APIC members, $28.00 non-members (well priced)
Jim's Rating: 4

APIC Handbook of Infection Control (1997)-
Newly released CD-ROM version of this wonderful paperback that was first available in 1997. The Cd-ROM makes finding information very easy. Pages can be printed directly off the screen.
Cost: $25.00 APIC members, $29.00 non-members (well priced)
Jim's rating: 5

HIDE and SEEK- Eight Strategies for Preventing the Spread of Infection-
Video made for the general public, but is also good for healthcare workers. Information is presented in a concise and entertaining manner.
Cost $34.95 APIC members, $39.95 non-members . Add $4.95 S/H for both. (Well priced)
Jim's Rating: 5

APIC '98 Annual Educational Conference and Membership Directory on CD-ROM-
Contains abstracts, speaker handouts and vendor information, PLUS a computer searchable membership directory.
Cost: $25.00 APIC members, $35.00 non-members NOTE: Order from DPI Group, Inc, 904-889-6555 ext. 22.
Jim's Rating: 4

MRSA in Long-Term Care Resource Packet-
This packet includes reprints of the most recent articles and consensus papers on the treatment and isolation of residents with MRSA in long term care facilities. A great place to have the information at your fingertips.
Cost: $18.00 APIC member, $23.00 non-members
Jim's Rating: 3

APIC/SHEA Position Paper: Infection Prevention and Control in Long-Term Care Facilities (12/97)-
This is an updated, comprehensive guideline essential for understanding infection control in LTC facilities.
Cost: $15.00 APIC members, $20.00 non-members
Jim's Rating: 3

Did you Know...

• ..that hepatitis B vaccination is now required for entry to kindergarten?
• ... that restaurants in California must cook your hamburger to 165 F, unless you specifically request otherwise?
• ... that varicella vaccine is recommended for your employees who have never had chickenpox?
• ... that influenza vaccine can not cause influenza?
• ... that tuberculosis was the leading cause of death 100 years ago?
• ... that someone with a positive TB skin test has a 10% lifetime chance of getting sick with TB?

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  Late Breaking News...

  California OSHA has issued a proposed amendment to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, seven years after the Standard became final in 1991. While the proposed changes are in draft form, several organizations will be sending written comments; including the California Association of Healthcare facilities (CAHF) and APIC.

  Highlights of the Proposed changes:

  1. Requires a program to identify and evaluate the safest needle devices on the market
  2. Requires the use of needleless IV systems
  3. Requires use of safety syringes for medication administration
  4. Requires safety devices for blood drawing
  5. Requires hepatitis C testing after a blood exposure
  6. Allows the employee's health plan to cover the cost of hepatitis B vaccine, if the employer pays all costs for the health plan and deductibles
  7. Requires blood testing after hepatitis B vaccination to see if the vaccine produced a response. For non-responders, a second vaccine series is required followed by another blood test.
  8. Requires documentation of the type and brand of device used during an exposure incident

  If this is passed in California, it is likely to be passed by Federal OSHA and other State OSHA agencies. More news will be published as it becomes available.

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  James Marx © 1998