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EMPLOYEE SAFETY
prevention regulations? Read over the following quiz to find out.
1. OSHA directs surgical facilities to develop a written blood and body fluid
exposure control plan. Which of the following is not required for inclusion
in the plan?
a. A review of the exposure risks employees face on the job.
b. Trials of manufacturers' latest safety devices.
c. Documentation of physicians' opinions on retractable scalpels.
d. Standardization of your surgical supply purchases.
Answer: d. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (tinyurl.com/4f8mcwb) is
the rule of the road as far as sharps safety is concerned. But you may
not be aware that you're ultimately responsible for developing an exposure control plan, or are resistant to it. The Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services' Conditions For Coverage makes the plan mandatory,
though, and "We've always done it this way, no one's ever been stuck"
doesn't pass muster.
Besides government regulators, many accreditation agencies and professional organizations have issued guidelines on identifying sharps
risks and implementing safer practices, based on the OSHA regulations.
The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' Sharps Safety
Tool Kit compiles the necessary rules, references and forms all in one
place. It'll save you hours of work.
2. How often should you review and update your exposure control plan?
a. Updating is not required if no injuries are reported.
b. Before each accreditation survey.
c. Annually.
d. Quarterly.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2013