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Thorough screening of workers key to reducing risks of smallpox vaccine; CDC lists contraindications for smallpox vaccination; Hospitals given leeway in forming smallpox teams; High stakes, fast track: Bio R&D at a full gallop; Nature: The mother of all bioterrorism
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Between 40% and 60% of surgical-site infections can be prevented with the use of prophylactic antibiotics, but overuse, underuse, improper timing, and misuse of antibiotics occur in 25% to 50% of all operations, according to CMRI, a San Francisco-based quality improvement organization working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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The following provisions are some of the key instructions to Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors enforcing requirements for needle safety devices.
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Though there is now an overriding federal law requiring needle safety devices, infection control professionals should check with their state officials to ensure compliance with local requirements. For example, many states have state plans approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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The nations health care facilities continue to make the landmark transition to needle safety devices as mandated by the federal Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act signed into law two years ago. Tips and insights into overcoming obstacles in this difficult process recently were offered by two experts on the issue at a special audio conference sponsored by Thomson American Health Consultants, publishers of Hospital Infection Control.
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With a keen awareness of the increasing pressure for improved patient safety, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is radically revamping its oversight of hospitals.
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In defending itself against a critical article in the Chicago Tribune, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations issued a statement that includes the following points.
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The new year begins with a convergence of major issues regarding the nations infection control programs and their most critical professional partner: the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The result could be landmark changes for ICPs.
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At SSM Rehab in St. Louis, diversity has become part of the institutional culture. Staff have successfully built diversity into its ongoing operations rather than instituting one program that would meet federal and industry guidelines, says Kurt Delabar, director of human resources.
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Case managers sometimes are confused as to what constitutes a business associate as referred to in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), notes Cathy Kauffman-Nearhoof, RN, BSN, CCM, NMCC, CLNC, owner of Integrist Healthcare Consulting in Duncansville, PA.
