1. 1. An infection control program is established, under the direction of an individual qualified according to policies and procedures, to prevent the development and transmission of infections and communicable diseases including:

   1. a. A method to identify and document infections occurring at the nursing care institution;
   2. b. Analysis of the types, causes, and spread of infections and communicable diseases at the nursing care institution;
   3. c. The development of corrective measures to minimize or prevent the spread of infections and communicable diseases at the nursing care institution; and

   4. d. Documentation of infection control activities including:

      1. i. The collection and analysis of infection control data,
      2. ii. The actions taken related to infections and communicable diseases, and
      3. iii. Reports of communicable diseases to the governing authority and state and county health departments;
2. 2. Infection control documentation is maintained for at least 12 months after the date of the documentation;

3. 3. Policies and procedures are established, documented, and implemented that cover:

   1. a. Handling and disposal of biohazardous medical waste;
   2. b. Sterilization, disinfection, and storage of medical equipment and supplies;
   3. c. Using personal protective equipment such as aprons, gloves, gowns, masks, or face protection when applicable;
   4. d. Cleaning of an individual’s hands when the individual’s hands are visibly soiled and before and after providing a service to a resident;
   5. e. Training of personnel members, employees, and volunteers in infection control practices; and
   6. f. Work restrictions for a personnel member with a communicable disease or infected skin lesion;
4. 4. Biohazardous medical waste is identified, stored, and disposed of according to 18 A.A.C. 13, Article 14 and policies and procedures;

5. 5. Soiled linen and clothing are:

   1. a. Collected in a manner to minimize or prevent contamination;
   2. b. Bagged at the site of use; and
   3. c. Maintained separate from clean linen and clothing and away from food storage, kitchen, or dining areas; and
6. 6. A personnel member, an employee, or a volunteer washes hands or uses a hand disinfection product after a resident contact and after handling soiled linen, soiled clothing, or potentially infectious material.

An administrator shall ensure that:

Historical Note

Adopted effective January 28, 1980 (Supp. 80-1). Section repealed by final rulemaking at 8 A.A.R. 2785, effective October 1, 2002 (Supp. 02-2). New Section R9-10-422 made by exempt rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 2015, effective October 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 1409, pursuant to Laws 2013, Ch. 10, § 13; effective July 1, 2014 (Supp. 14-2).