Infection Control Mandates in Minnesota Nursing Homes
Pursuant to Minnesota Administrative Rule 4658.0800, INFECTION CONTROL, Subpart 1. infection control program. A nursing home must establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe and sanitary environment.
Additional Protocol
Subp. 2. Direction of program. A nursing home must assign one person, either a registered nurse or a physician, the responsibility of directing infection control activities in the nursing home.
Subp. 3. Staff assistance with infection control. Personnel must be assigned to assist with the infection program, based on the needs of the residents and nursing home, to implement the policies and procedures of the infection control program.
Subp. 4. Policies and procedures. The infection program must include policies and procedures which provide for the following:
A. surveillance based on systematic data collection to identify nosocomial infections in residents;
B. a system for detection, investigation, and control of outbreaks of infectious diseases;
C. isolation and precautions systems to reduce risk of transmission of infectious agents;
D. in-service education in infection prevention and control;
E. a resident health program including an immunization program, a tuberculosis program as defined in part 4658.0810, and policies and procedures of resident care practices to assist in the prevention and treatment of infections;
F. the development and implementation of employee health policies and infection practices, including a tuberculosis program as defined in part 4658.0815;
G. a system for reviewing antibiotic use;
H. a system for review and evaluation of products which affect infection, such as disinfectants, antiseptics, gloves, and incontinence products; and
I. methods for maintaining awareness of current standards of practice.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, Infection prevention and control is required to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases in all health care settings. Infection prevention and control demands a basic understanding of the epidemiology of diseases; risk factors that increase patient susceptibility to infection; and the practices, procedures and treatments that may result in infections.
The risk of acquiring a health care-associated infection is related to the mode of transmission of the infectious agent (e.g. CDI, SSI, CRE, MRSA, etc.), the type of patient-care activity or procedure being performed and the underlying patient’s host defenses. Healthcare workers should be vaccinated against preventable diseases such as hepatitis B. Personnel at risk for exposure to tuberculosis should be screened per recommendations.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore has decades of experience and handles the following types of elder abuse claims and others:
Infectious Disease
Infectious Diseases (MRSA, C-Diff)
Violation of Resident Rights
Patient Lift Injuries and Other Improper Use of Medical Equipment
For a Free Consultation to obtain information on how to hold negligent wrongdoers accountable from an experienced elder abuse attorney contact Minneapolis Elder Abuse Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or Toll Free at 1-888-452-6589, email: KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.