Section 265.2000  Infection Control

a)         Each birth center shall provide a sanitary environment to avoid sources and transmission of infections and communicable diseases.  The birth center shall have an active program for the prevention, control and investigation of infectious and communicable diseases that includes, but is not limited to:

1)         Hand-washing techniques for adequate protection of the mother and newborn infant from infection and other contamination;

2)         Contagious disease control measures for birth center personnel, carrier or suspected carrier, spouse or support persons;

3)         Sterilization methods and procedures; and

4)         Infection control measures, including birth room cleaning policies and birth room waste disposal policies and procedures.

b)         The birth center shall implement universal/standard precautions, including:

1)         Ensuring that all staff comply with universal/standard precautions;

2)         Establishing procedures for monitoring compliance with universal/standard precautions; and

3)         Requiring birth center employees to complete educational course work or training in infection control and barrier precautions, including basic concepts of disease transmission, scientifically accepted principles and practices for infection control, and engineering and work practice controls.

c)         A person or persons shall be designated as infection control officer or officers to develop and implement policies governing control of infections and communicable disease.  Policies and procedures shall be developed to address the following:

1)         Medical, nursing and non-professional staff behaviors to prevent and control the transmission of infections or communicable diseases;

2)         Measures to handle infectious cases that develop in the birth center;

3)         Reporting and care of cases of communicable diseases in accordance with the Control of Communicable Diseases Code; and

4)         A systematic plan of checking and recording cases of infection, known or suspected, that develop in the birth center.

d)         The birth center shall maintain a sanitary environment with all equipment in good working order.  Written procedures shall include:

1)         Garbage, refuse and medical waste removal in such a manner that will not permit the transmission of a contagious disease, create a nuisance or fire hazard or provide a breeding place for vermin or rodents;

2)         Insect and rodent control;

3)         Maintenance of water, heat, ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical service;

4)         The use, cleaning, sterilization, and care of equipment and supplies; and

5)         Housekeeping and cleaning measures and schedule.

e)         Laundry shall be processed in accordance with Section 265.2350(i).

f)         The birth center shall comply with the CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings and the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel.