N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-18.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:36-18.4 - Employee health and resident policies and procedures for infection prevention and control

(a) Each new employee upon employment shall receive a two-step Mantoux tuberculin skin test with five tuberculin units of purified protein derivative. The only exceptions shall be employees with documented negative two-step Mantoux skin test results (zero to nine millimeters of induration) within the last year, employees with a documented positive Mantoux skin test result (10 or more millimeters of induration), employees who have received appropriate medical treatment for tuberculosis, or when medically contraindicated. Results of the Mantoux tuberculin skin tests administered to new employees shall be acted upon as follows:

1. If the first step of the Mantoux tuberculin skin test result is less than 10 millimeters of induration, the second step of the two-step Mantoux test shall be administered one to three weeks later.

2. If the Mantoux test is significant (10 millimeters or more of induration), a chest x-ray shall be performed and, if necessary, followed by chemoprophylaxis or therapy.

3. Any employee with positive results shall be referred to the employee's personal physician and shall be excluded from work until the physician provides written approval to return.

(b) The facility shall have written policies and procedures establishing timeframes, requiring annual Mantoux tuberculin skin tests for all employees except those exempted under (a) above.

(c) Employees who have signs or symptoms of a communicable disease shall not be permitted to perform functions that expose residents to risk of transmission of the disease.

(d) If a communicable disease prevents the employee from working for a period of more than three days, a physician's statement approving the employee's return shall be required prior to the employee's return to work.

(e) The facility shall develop and implement procedures for the care of employees who become ill while at work or who have a work-related accident.

(f) The facility shall maintain listings of all residents and personnel who have reportable infections, diseases, or conditions.

(g) High-level disinfection techniques approved by the Department shall be used for all reusable respiratory therapy equipment and instruments that touch mucous membranes.

(h) Disinfection procedures for items that come in contact with bedpans, sinks, and toilets shall conform to facility established protocols for cleaning and disinfection.

(i) All residents shall be provided with an opportunity to wash their hands before each meal and shall be encouraged to do so. Staff shall wash their hands before each meal and before assisting residents in eating.

(j) 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.

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

(l) The facility shall maintain records documenting contagious diseases contracted by employees during employment, as specified at 8:57-1.5.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-18.4

Amended by R.2009 d.107, effective 4/6/2009.
See: 40 N.J.R. 1962(a), 41 N.J.R. 1419(a).
In ( l), updated the N.J.A.C. reference.