Definitions Applicable to 105 CMR 130.1001 through 130.1008

As used in 105 CMR 130.1001 through 130.1008, the following definitions shall apply: Advisory Committee. A committee composed of, but not limited to: the Department’s director of infectious disease; a consumer to be selected by the commissioner; a technical expert to be selected by the commissioner; and a representative from the Massachusetts Nurses Association, the New England Association of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Massachusetts Hospital Association. Commissioner. The Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Department. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Engineering and Work Practice Controls. Controls such as, but not limited to, sharps disposal containers, needleless systems, and sharps with engineered injury protection, that isolate or remove the bloodborne pathogens hazard from the workplace. Exposure Control Plan. A plan that includes an effective procedure for identifying and selecting existing sharps injury prevention technology. Exposure Incident. A specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that result from the performance of an employee’s duties. Health Care Worker. All workers employed by the hospital, working within the hospital but employed by other agencies, those providing patient care services without pay such as students, or providers who are delivering care but receiving compensation from sources other than the hospital. Hospital. Any hospital licensed by the Department pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111, § 51. Reportable Exposure Incident. An exposure incident that is a result of events that pierce the skin or mucous membranes. Sharp. Any object that can penetrate the skin or any part of the body, and to result in an exposure incident, including, but not limited to, needle devices, scalpels, lancets, broken glass, broken capillary tubes and exposed ends of dental wires. Sharps Injury Log. A log to be kept within acute and non-acute hospitals that records information concerning exposure incidents, including but not limited to, the type and brand of device involved in the incident. Sharps Injury Prevention Technology. Devices or other technology that minimizes the risk of injury to health care workers from hypodermic syringes, needles or other sharps.