Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. SAFETY GUIDELINES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES IN PATIENT’S HOME I. Medical/Surgical Supplies A. Storage: area isolated from children, pets, and activity. This area should be free of excessive heat, water, dust, and contamination. Store new supplies behind old to assure timely rotation. B. Handling: should be handled by professional staff, patient, or care giver who has been taught proper use. Avoid tearing/damage. Do not use if there are signs of contamination or the expiration date has passed. C. Disposal: instruct patient/care giver that all dressing materials, disposable equipment, tubing, etc., should be double-bagged, firmly secured, and place in the trash. Materials contaminated with infectious waste should be wrapped in newspaper, double-bagged, tightly secured, and disposal company. Sharps will be placed in a puncture-resistant container and disposal of by contracted biomedical waste disposal company. II. Durable Medical Equipment A. Storage: Equipment should be stored in a convenient area easily accessible but not obstructive to clear pathways around the patient area. All electrical equipment should be in an area protected from excessive moisture. B. Handling: Follow manufacture guidelines are represented by the dural medical equipment representative. Make sure all electrical equipment is grounded. C. Disposal: DME supplier will be contracted to pick up rental equipment and supplies. Purchased equipment disposal is at the discretion of the patient/care giver. III. Oxygen A. Storage: Oxygen should be kept away from open flames and heat. Tubing should not be allowed to come in contact with stoves, space heaters, baseboard heating coils. B. Handling: Should be handled only by people who have been instructed by a respiratory therapist, nurse, or durable medical equipment company representative. Cleanliness standards for all access to equipment must be maintained as instructed. C. Disposal: Tubing that has been replaced can be double-bagged, firmly secured, and placed in the trash. All other equipment will be removed by the durable medical equipment provider. IV. Drugs A. Storage: Cool, dry place that is protected from direct sunlight, secure from children and pets. Keep all medications in one area for storage that is convenient to the patient care area. Check all labels to ascertain if refrigeration is necessary. B. Handling: Check expiration date. Determine the name of the medication dosage, time before each dose is given. Obtain return demonstration of patient/care giver’s competence in pouring and administering medications before allowing total independence in this function. Instruct in reordering ongoing prescriptions before medication is finished to assure continuity of medications. C. Disposal: Old, unused or discontinued drugs inclusive of controlled substances should be flushed down the toilet. Chemotherapy drugs should be returned to pharmacy for disposal. L-24 Home Health Agency Client Assessments