Medic-CE

The Infection Control Network

Introduction:

Since pathogenic organisms are highly prevalent in the environment, especially in the healthcare community, all healthcare personnel have a responsibility to ensure public health and to prevent the transmission of disease. Fortunately, you are not alone in preventing the spread of infectious illnesses. A highly organized network of agencies is involved as well, including organizations at the federal, state, and local level.

Federal Agencies:

The highest level of the network is the federal level, which is made up of several organizations that develop unified infection control standards. These organizations include: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (known as the CDC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the US Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Fire Protection Administration, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors national disease data and makes it available to healthcare providers. Furthermore, in the event of a serious disease outbreak, this agency will send personnel into the field to investigate and manage the situation. In addition, the CDC issues guidelines related to the prevention and management of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

-The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (known as OSHA):

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a division of the US Labor Department, sets standards and guidelines for workplace controls to prevent infection in the workplace. One of the most pertinent sets of guidelines produced by OSHA is the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, which was enacted into legislation in 1992. This legislation requires employers to have a written infectious disease exposure plan. In addition, employers should outline procedures to ensure the observation of Standard Precautions by employees, including: the use of personal protective equipment, adequate communication of hazards through labeling, and identifying methods of decontamination.

The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard was revised in 2001 to emphasize the need for better measures to prevent needlestick injury and, since that time, OSHA has dramatically increased citations for violations of its guidelines.

State Agencies:

The next level of the network includes state agencies, which are involved in the regulation and enforcement of federal guidelines. State agencies are typically responsible for setting vaccination guidelines, implementing vector control programs, as well as monitoring food preparation, water quality, and sanitation.

Local Resources:

The foundation of the network is formed by local agencies, which include: fire departments, ambulance services, hospitals, and local health agencies. These agencies are responsible for implementing measures enacted by higher-level agencies.

-Agency Responsibilities:

As mandated by law, each EMS agency should have written standard operating procedures for infection control. These protocols should include measures to monitor employee adherence. In addition, personnel should be provided with initial and ongoing infection control training to ensure a thorough understanding of infection control measures.

An agency is also responsible for making sure that the appropriate facilities and equipment are available to prevent infection. For example, an agency should ensure that personal protective equipment is available and that it fits properly and is well maintained. In addition, an agency should also have facilities available that allow EMS personnel to maintain a high level of personal hygiene.

Agencies are also required to have exposure control plans in place. A designated infection control officer should be appointed to serve as an initial contact for personnel who are exposed to potentially infectious substances. In addition, an agency must have a plan for evaluating the circumstances of an exposure and for providing postexposure counseling. Employers are required to cover all medical expenses related to exposure investigation and treatment.

Individual:

At the most basic level, individuals are responsible for implementing guidelines and, ultimately, preventing the spread of infectious diseases.