Researchers suggest there is a need for standardizing evidence-based practices into state guidelines in order to minimize provider-to-patient transmission of bloodborne pathogens, according to a study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
Researchers reviewed 50 states' laws and guidelines to see whether state policies have been modified since the CDC's 1991 guidelines for reducing the risk of provider-to-patient transmission of bloodborne pathogens. They also assessed whether state laws require prospective notification of patients and/or expert review panels to manage infected providers; how often infected-providers issues come to the attention of state health departments; and how state health departments handled these risks.
Only 19 states require infected providers to notify patients of providers' bloodborne pathogen infection, and 10 of 50 state health department officials reported these risks as requiring significant departmental effort. No state law required providers' viral burdens as part of a risk assessment, and only three of 50 states have modified policies or laws since initial passage in 1991.
Read the study about state guidelines for risk management of provider-to-patient transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Read other coverage about bloodborne pathogens:
- 3 FAQs Concerning OSHA's Rules for Regulated Waste
- Blood/Body Fluid Exposures Underreported Due to Perceived Lack of Significance
- Best Practices for Reducing Bloodborne Pathogens
Researchers reviewed 50 states' laws and guidelines to see whether state policies have been modified since the CDC's 1991 guidelines for reducing the risk of provider-to-patient transmission of bloodborne pathogens. They also assessed whether state laws require prospective notification of patients and/or expert review panels to manage infected providers; how often infected-providers issues come to the attention of state health departments; and how state health departments handled these risks.
Only 19 states require infected providers to notify patients of providers' bloodborne pathogen infection, and 10 of 50 state health department officials reported these risks as requiring significant departmental effort. No state law required providers' viral burdens as part of a risk assessment, and only three of 50 states have modified policies or laws since initial passage in 1991.
Read the study about state guidelines for risk management of provider-to-patient transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Read other coverage about bloodborne pathogens:
- 3 FAQs Concerning OSHA's Rules for Regulated Waste
- Blood/Body Fluid Exposures Underreported Due to Perceived Lack of Significance
- Best Practices for Reducing Bloodborne Pathogens