Hospital Employee Health – April 1, 2004
April 1, 2004
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Hospitals must stay on guard for emerging infectious diseases
The flu season may be coming to a close, but the push for hospitals to improve their preparedness to prevent the spread of emerging infectious diseases is just gathering steam. -
JCAHO considers new epidemic preparedness standard
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has proposed a new infection control standard. As part of emergency management activities, organizations should prepare to respond to epidemics or infections likely to require expanded care capabilities over an extended period of time. -
CDC launches study of HCV transmission
Like most cardiac surgeons, William Fiser, MD, of Little Rock, AR, occasionally cut or nicked his hand during delicate procedures. He did not use blunt suture needles or double gloves. He did not routinely order blood tests on himself or his patients after blood exposures. -
Lesson No. 1: Needle safety never stops
Two years after needle safety became a mandate nationwide, hospitals face what may be their greatest challenge: keeping the momentum. -
Beyond devices: A new level of sharps safety
Youve brought in safer needle devices and reduced your needlesticks. Do you declare success? What more should you do? -
Complaints flood OSHA over TB fit-testing
A fight is brewing over requirements for annual fit-testing of filtering face-piece respirators to protect against TB. Opponents to annual fit-testing at hospitals have flooded the U.S. -
Ergo controversy: Experts shun OSHA symposium
Even something as benign as a research symposium can cause a ruckus when the topic is ergonomics.