3701-83-23.4 Infection control and prevention.

(A) In addition to the requirement in rule 3701-83-09 of the Administrative Code, each dialysis center shall develop and follow written policies and procedures for preventing and controlling infections. The policies and procedures must include the aseptic and isolation techniques to be used and address the use of the isolation station.

(B) Each dialysis center shall establish and follow a preventive maintenance program that includes periodic calibration, cleaning and adjustment of all equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

(1) Culture and conduct water specimen analysis used for dialysis purposes at least every thirty days for bacteria;

(2) Analyze water used for dialysis purposes at least every one hundred and eighty days for chemicals;

(3) Treat water as necessary to maintain a continuous water supply that is biologically and chemically compatible with acceptable dialysis techniques.

(D) Each dialysis center shall conduct routine surveillance of patients and staff for hepatitis B using the most sensitive test methods available. Patients and new employees must be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) before or at the time they enter the unit in order to determine their serologic status for surveillance purposes.

(E) Each dialysis facility shall investigate reports of infections associated with the provision of dialysis services. Efforts shall be made to determine the origin of any such infection and remedial action shall be taken to prevent recurrence.

R.C. 119.032 review dates: 02/28/2006 and 02/28/2011

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 3702.13, 3702.30

Rule Amplifies: 3702.12, 3702.13, 3702.30

Prior Effective Dates: 1/13/1996, 9/5/2002