Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. LIMITING THE SPREAD OF INFECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROCEDURES Purpose: To provide practical and effective steps to take to help reduce the risk of health care- associated infections (HAIs). Goals: Protect patient/staff by limiting the spread of infections associated with procedures, thus reducing healthcare associated infection rates, use of aseptic technique, correct hand hygiene to maximize and maintain asepsis, the absence of pathogenic organisms, in the home care environment, committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment for our entire staff, increase our educational effort to educate our staff about the importance of the use of protective personal equipment and be in compliance with our Infection Control program. Procedure: • Direct care staff complete hand hygiene in accordance with Agency policy. • Staff including, direct care, field staff, use gloves in accordance with aseptic principles. • Dressing changes and treatments are conducted in accordance with aseptic technique and Agency policy. • Infectious waste is disposed of properly. • Procedures are followed to prevent cross-contamination-universal precautions/body substance isolation. • Sanitation of bed tubs, showers, and patient medical equipment is conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and Agency policy. • During interview direct care staff indicates knowledge of infection control practices and reporting mechanisms within the Agency. • During interview direct care staff indicates knowledge of infection control quality improvement activities. The written infection control program is periodically reviewed by our Agency and revised as indicated. The infection control program includes, but not limited to: Definitions of acquired infections and communicable diseases. Risk assessment of occurrence of communicable diseases for both patients and staff (reviewed at least annually). Methods for identifying, documenting and report infections and communicable diseases, nosocomial infections. Measures for prevention of infections, especially those associated with IV therapy, indwelling urinary catheters, tracheostomy care, stoma care, respiratory care, immunosuppression, pressure sores, bladder and bowel incontinence and any other factors which compromise a patient’s resistance to infection. Measures which address prevention of infections common (e.g. vaccination for influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia as appropriate, TB screening and testing). Measures for the prevention of communicable disease outbreaks, including tuberculosis, flu, hepatitis, scabies, MRSA. Procedures to inform and involve a local or state epidemiologist, as required by the state for non-sporadic, infections that are difficult to control. Isolation procedures and requirements for infected and at risk or immunosuppressed patients. Procedures for handwashing, respiratory protection, linen handling, housekeeping, needle and hazardous waste disposal, as well as other means for limiting the spread of communicable diseases. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-95