N.J. Admin. Code § 5:27A-16.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 5:27A-16.3 - General infection control policies and procedures

(a) Written policies and procedures shall be established and implemented regarding infection prevention and control, including, but not limited to, policies and procedures for the following:

1. In accordance with Chapter II, New Jersey State Sanitary Code, Communicable Diseases, N.J.A.C. 8:57, a system for investigating, reporting, and evaluating the occurrence of all infections or diseases which are reportable or conditions which may be related to activities and procedures of the facility, and maintaining records for all residents or personnel having these infections, diseases, or conditions;

2. Infection control and isolation, in accordance with applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements (see OSHA Standards--29 CFR--Bloodborne pathogens--1910.1030 incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented);

3. Exclusion from work, and authorization to return to work, for personnel with communicable diseases;

4. Surveillance techniques to minimize sources and transmission of infection;

5. Techniques to be used during each resident contact, including handwashing before and after caring for a resident;

6. Protocols for identification of residents with communicable diseases and education of residents regarding prevention and spread of communicable diseases; and

7. Where applicable, cleaning, sterilization and disinfection practices and techniques used in the facility, including, but not limited to, the following:

i. Care of utensils, instruments, solutions, dressings, articles, and surfaces;

ii. Selection, storage, use, and disposition of disposable and nondisposable resident care items. Disposable items shall not be reused;

iii. Methods to ensure that sterilized materials are packaged, labeled, processed, transported, and stored to maintain sterility and to permit identification of expiration dates; and

iv. Care of urinary catheters, intravenous catheters, respiratory therapy equipment, and other devices and equipment that provide a portal of entry for pathogenic microorganisms.

(b) High-level disinfection techniques shall be used for all reusable respiratory therapy equipment and instruments that touch mucous membranes.

(c) Disinfection procedures for items that come in contact with bed pans, sinks, and toilets shall conform with protocols for cleaning and disinfection which have been established by the facility in accordance with this chapter.

(d) Personnel who have had contact with resident excretions, secretions, or blood, whether directly or indirectly, in activities such as performing a physical examination, providing catheter care, and emptying bedpans, shall wash their hands with soap and warm water for between 10 and 30 seconds or use other effective hand sanitation techniques immediately after such contact.

(e) Equipment and supplies used for sterilization, disinfection, and decontamination purposes shall be maintained according to manufacturers' specifications.

(f) Needles and syringes used by residents as part of home self-care shall be disposed of in accordance with 2C:36-6.1.

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:27A-16.3