Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. EQUIPMENT CLEANING POLICY: Equipment that is owned by our Agency, or for which we are responsible, is cleaned and disinfected according to current manufacturers’ guidelines and in accordance with the type of equipment and level of infection risk. PURPOSE · To prevent the spread of infectious organisms · To maintain clean equipment when providing patient care RELATED PROCEDURE · Applying Principles of Standard Precautions: General Guidelines EQUIPMENT 1. Home health agency-approved disinfectants 2. Liquid soap and water 3. Antiseptic wipes 4. Utility gloves and an impermeable plastic trash bag (see Infection Control) {STOP} PROCEDURE 1. Use utility gloves to protect hands from disinfectants. 2. For initial clean up, wash all equipment with soap and water. 3. After washing equipment with soap and water, disinfect, rinse, and dry. 4. Disinfection methods in the home will vary. The item to be disinfected will primarily determine the disinfectant that is to be used. Bleach corrodes metal but is cited as an all- purpose disinfectant for blood and body substance spills. 5. Seal disposable supplies used to clean equipment in a leak-proof impermeable plastic trash bag separate from the family trash; secure and place in the family trash. Otherwise discard disposable items according to Standard Precautions. Stethoscope Routinely clean the bell/diaphragm of the stethoscope with a disinfectant spray, or, using a rotary motion, with an antiseptic wipe each visit. Infant Scale Wipe down the scale with a disinfectant between use and place a fresh disposable plastic sheath/pad underneath the infant each visit. Glucose Meters Follow specific manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. Thermometers Use an antiseptic wipe to clean glass thermometers; otherwise follow the manufacturer’s recommendations Respiratory Therapy Equipment L-28 Home Health Agency Client Assessments