NWESD Policy Manual & Administrative Procedures

6512-P – Infection Control Procedures

Immunization

Staff members, including substitutes, student teachers, and volunteers, are encouraged to complete an Immunization History (see form 6512 F1) to be placed on file at the NWESD 189 office. In the event of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease in a student program, the local health officer has the authority to exclude all susceptible persons, including program staff. This authority would likely be exercised in the event of one (1) or more cases of measles or rubella at the program site. Susceptible, as related to measles, means any staff member born after January 1, 1957 who does not have documented evidence of immunity.

A staff member who is excluded is not eligible to receive sick leave benefits unless he/she is ill or physically disabled.

If a staff member needs to be vaccinated, he/she should contact a personal physician or clinic.

Infection Control Program

The NWESD 189’s infection control program shall be consistent with WAC 296-823, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI’s) a) Guidelines for Implementation of School Employee Training on HIV/AIDS and Other Bloodborne Pathogens, and b) Infectious Disease Control Guide.

All employees with reasonably anticipated on-the-job exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material shall be identified. Potentially infectious human body fluids are blood, semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva in dental procedures, any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood, and all body fluids in situations where it is difficult to differentiate between body fluids. Examples of employees with reasonably anticipated risk of exposure include, but are not limited to, school nurses; teachers and aides in classrooms for the developmentally disabled, the institutionalized, or group home residents; bus drivers of such students or who provide first aid; communications disorders specialist for such students; and first aid providers. All job duties should be evaluated for the risk of exposure to blood or potentially infectious material. The NWESD 189 shall maintain a list of job classifications with reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material.

All employees identified as having reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material shall be offered the Hepatitis B vaccine at the NWESD 189’s expense.

If an employee has a specific exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material, the NWESD 189 will provide a free and confidential medical evaluation and follow-up performed by an appropriately trained and licensed health care professional. Any necessary post-exposure treatment shall be provided.

Employees with reasonably anticipated exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material shall participate in NWESD 189-provided training within ten (10) days of employment and annually. The training shall include the following:

1. a general description of bloodborne diseases;
2. an explanation of modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens;
3. an explanation on the use and limitations of methods of control;
4. information about personal protective equipment;
5. information on the Hepatitis B vaccine;
6. a description of procedures to follow if an exposure incident occurs;
7. an explanation of signs, labels, tags, and color coding used to designate biohazards;
8. where to obtain a copy of WAC 296-823, OSPI’sGuidelines for Implementation of School Employee Training on HIV/AIDS and other Bloodborne Pathogens, and OSPI’s Infectious Disease Control Guide;
9. an explanation of the NWESD 189’s infection control plan and how to obtain a copy;
10. how to identify tasks and activities that may involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material;
11. appropriate actions to take in emergencies involving blood or other potentially infectious material.

The training shall be provided by a qualified person and shall include opportunities for questions.

The NWESD 189 shall provide training to all employees regarding HIV/AIDS. The training shall be provided within six (6) months of initial employment. The training shall include:

1. history and epidemiology of HIV/AIDS;
2. methods of transmission of HIV;
3. methods of prevention of HIV infection including universal precautions for handling body fluids;
4. current treatment for symptoms of HIV and prognosis of disease prevention;
5. state and federal laws barring discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS; and
6. state and federal laws regulating the confidentiality of a person’s HIV antibody status.

The Hepatitis B vaccination status and records regarding any occupational exposure, if any, shall be kept in strict confidence during employment, plus thirty (30) years, for any employee with reasonably anticipated exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. The records of occupational exposures shall include the following:

1. the employee’s name and Social Security number;
2. the employee’s Hepatitis B vaccination status;
3. examination results, medical testing, and follow-up procedure records;
4. the healthcare professional’s written opinion; and
5. a copy of information provided to the healthcare professional.

The NWESD 189 shall also keep records of training sessions including the dates, a summary of the material, names, and qualifications of the trainers and names of employees attending the training. These records shall be kept for three (3) years.

First Reading: 10/25/89 (as 4701)

Revised: 12/20/89 (as 4701)
First Reading: 08/28/91 (as 4702)
Revised: 02/26/92 (as 4701, 4702)
Revised: 02/24/93 (as 4702)
Revised: 06/27/01 (recodified 6512-P)
Revised: 03/24/10
Revised: 06/26/13
Revised: 05/27/15
Revised: 10/28/20

Reference:

WAC 296-823

Date Revised: 10/28/20