R9-10-614. Infection Control

An administrator shall ensure that: 1. An infection control program is established, under the direction of an individual qualified according to policies and procedures, to prevent the development and transmission of infections and communicable diseases including: a. A method to identify and document infections; b. Analysis of the types, causes, and spread of infections and communicable diseases; c. The development of corrective measures to minimize or prevent the spread of infections and communicable diseases; and d. Documenting infection control activities including: i. The collection and analysis of infection control data, ii. The actions taken relating to infections and communicable diseases, and iii. Reports of communicable diseases to the governing authority and state and county health departments; 2. Infection control documents are maintained for at least 12 months after the date of the documents; 3. Policies and procedures are established, documented, and implemented to protect the health and safety of a patient that cover: a. Handling and disposal of biohazardous medical waste; b. Sterilization and disinfection of medical equipment and supplies; c. Use of personal protective equipment such as aprons, gloves, gowns, masks, or face protection when applicable; d. Cleaning of an individual’s hands when the individual’s hands are visibly soiled and before and after providing a service to a patient; e. Training of personnel members in infection control practices; and f. Work restrictions for a personnel member with a communicable disease or infected skin lesion; 4. Biohazardous medical waste is identified, stored, and disposed of according to 18 A.A.C. 13, Article 14 and policies and procedures; and 5. A personnel member washes hands or use a hand disinfection product after each patient contact and after handling soiled linen, soiled clothing, or potentially infectious material.