Infection Control Regulations in New York State

Reemerging Infectious Diseases

• Includes tuberculosis, pertussis, influenza, pneumococcal disease, malaria, cholera, and gonorrhea.
• Emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and emergency medications for prevention.

New York State Infection Control Requirements

• Title 10, Part 92 of the New York regulations mandates infection control training every four years for certain healthcare professionals.
• Exemptions may apply to some licensed practitioners.

Professions Requiring Infection Control Training

• Includes dental hygienists, dentists, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, medical residents, students, optometrists, physicians, physician assistants, and podiatrists.

Consequences of Unprofessional Conduct

• Non-compliance with infection control standards increases patient and worker health risks.
• Professional misconduct complaints can be filed by patients, family members, or coworkers.
• Outcomes of misconduct may include disciplinary action, license revocation, or liability.

Chain of Infection

• Infection spreads if all six links of the chain are connected.
• Infection control training equips professionals to break these links and prevent infections.

Surgical Hand Antisepsis

• Recommended use of antimicrobial soap or alcohol-based sanitizers before surgical glove donning.
• Rings and jewelry should be removed prior to scrubbing; hands must be scrubbed for 2-6 minutes.

Glove Use Guidelines

• Properly fitting disposable gloves are essential for direct patient care and environmental cleaning.
• Perform hand hygiene before donning gloves, and do not rely on gloves as a substitute for hand hygiene.

Airborne Precautions

• Cohorting patients with similar infections, using negative pressure environments, and signage systems are vital for infection control.
• Recommended to use a fit-tested N95 respirator when treating patients with infectious pulmonary tuberculosis.

Patient Transport Protocols

• Minimize patient movement outside their room; limit visitors to those essential for care and emotional support.
• Implement quarantine for infected staff and ensure full ventilation during procedures that aerosolize infectious materials.

Engineering and Work Practice Controls

• Utilize engineering controls (e.g., sharps disposal containers, self-sheathing needles) to reduce risks of exposure to infectious materials.
• Engineering controls must be regularly examined and maintained for effectiveness.

Examples of Engineering Control Devices

• Devices include retractable needles, self-resheathing needles, and phlebotomy needles with safety features to prevent injuries.