Virginia Law

A. The center shall develop and maintain an infection prevention and occupational health program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for participants, staff, and the public.

B. The center shall develop infection prevention policies and procedures appropriate for the services provided by the center and including the physical plant and grounds. These shall be based upon evidence-based guidelines such as those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Virginia Department of Health and updated as recommendations change and shall include:

1. Standard precautions to include:

a. Hand hygiene;

b. Use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks;

c. Safe injection and blood glucose monitoring practices;

d. Safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces in the center environment; and

e. Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

2. Specific methods and timeframes to monitor infection prevention practices by staff and volunteers.

3. Parameters for ensuring that staff, volunteers, and participants with communicable disease or infections are prohibited from direct contact with others if contact may transmit disease, in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

4. Handling, storing, processing, and transporting linens, supplies, and equipment consistent with current infection prevention methods.

5. Handling, storing, and transporting medical waste in accordance with applicable regulations.

6. Maintaining an effective pest control program.

C. The center shall ensure that at least one staff person with training or experience in infection prevention relevant to a congregate care setting is employed by or regularly available (e.g., by contract) to manage the center's infection prevention program.

D. All staff and volunteers shall be trained on requirements of the center's infection prevention program according to their job duties during the orientation period and at least annually. Competencies shall be documented following each training and may include a written test, skills demonstration, or other method as appropriate.

E. The center shall ensure that sufficient and appropriate supplies to maintain standard precautions are available at all times, such as gloves, hand hygiene and cleaning products, and any other supplies needed specific to center services.

F. The director shall be responsible for ensuring that any outbreak of disease as defined by the Virginia Department of Health is immediately reported to the local health department and to the regional licensing office.