OAR 333-071-0450: Infection Control

(1) Each SICF shall establish and maintain an active facility-wide infection control program. This program shall, at a minimum, include the following: (a) Identification of existing or potential infections in patients and employees, medical staff, and health care practitioners with SICF privileges; (b) Control of factors affecting the transmission of infections and communicable disease; (c) Provisions for orienting and educating all medical staff, health care practitioners with SICF privileges and employees on the cause, transmission, and prevention of infections; and (d) Collection, analysis, and use of data relating to infections in the SICF. (2) Each SICF shall be responsible for the development, implementation and periodic review of policies under section (1) of this rule. (3) The infection control program shall be managed by a qualified individual and overseen by a multidisciplinary committee with the responsibility for investigating, controlling and preventing infections in the facility. The composition of the committee may vary but shall include at least representation from major departments and services and shall provide for consultation both from other departments and services and to them. (4)(a) An SICF shall comply with all rules of the Authority for the control of communicable diseases as specified in OAR chapter 333, divisions 17, 18 and 19. (b) An SICF shall have a tuberculosis infection control plan that includes provisions for employee assessment and screening for protecting patients and employees from tuberculosis in accordance with OAR 333-019-0041. (5) An SICF shall have a system of isolation that prevents the transmission of infections in an SICF. (a) A system of isolation shall: (A) Follow the principles of epidemiology and disease transmission; (B) Include precautions to interrupt the spread of infection by all routes that are likely to be encountered in the SICF; and (C) Be reviewed and approved by a committee responsible for the oversight of the infection control program. (b) Guidelines for isolation precautions are published periodically by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) and may be used by an SICF as a reference in order to maintain up-to-date isolation practices. (6) The SICF multidisciplinary committee shall oversee all aspects of the infection control program, and will ensure that the system of isolation implemented addresses the following fundamentals of infection control: (a) Handwashing and gloving; (b) Patient placement; (c) Transport of infected patients; (d) Protective apparel; (e) Patient care equipment and articles; (f) Linen and laundry; (g) Dishes, glasses, cups, and eating utensils; and (h) Routine and terminal cleaning. (7)(a) An SICF shall develop and enforce policies and procedures related to cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, or disposal of: (A) Patient care items; (B) Patient care equipment; (C) Furnishings; and (D) The health care environment. (b) Policies and procedures shall be developed in accordance with the 2008, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities. (8) Single patient use items and equipment must be labeled with patient name and room number when the items or equipment are used in a multi-bed room.