Section 518.1900  Infection Control

a)         The freestanding emergency center shall develop policies and procedures for the prevention and control of infections within the facility, which shall be approved by the owning or controlling hospital.  The person responsible for infection control in the FEC shall be a part of the hospital's Infection Control Committee.

b)         Policies and procedures for the reporting and care of cases of communicable diseases shall be in accordance with 77 Ill. Adm. Code 690, the Control of Communicable Diseases Code.

c)         When patients have a communicable disease or present signs and symptoms suggestive of such diagnosis, proper precautionary measures shall be taken to avoid cross-infection to personnel, other patients, or the public.

d)         Policies and procedures for the handling of infectious cases shall include orders to the medical, nursing, and non-professional staffs providing for proper isolation technique.

e)         All persons who care for patients with or suspected of having a communicable disease or whose work brings them in contact with materials that are potential conveyors of communicable disease shall take appropriate safeguards to avoid transmission of the disease agent.

f)          Thorough handscrubbing shall be required after touching any contaminated or infected material.

g)         Policies and procedures shall be established related to the above and to the following items but not limited thereto:

1)         The admission and isolation of patients with specific and/or suspected infectious diseases, and protective isolation of appropriate patients.

2)         In-service education programs on the control of infectious diseases.

3)         Policies and procedures for isolation techniques appropriate to the working diagnosis of the patient, and protective routines for personnel and visitors.