Section 325.20507. Infection control.

Rule 507. A written policy shall govern the control of communicable disease and infections in the nursing  home  and  shall  require  the establishment and operation of an infection control committee, which shall include at least the director  of  nursing and representatives of administration, dietary,  housekeeping,  and   maintenance services. The infection control committee, at a minimum, shall conduct all of the following activities and shall submit periodic reports and recommendations for change to the governing body, owner, or operator:

(a)     Provide surveillance to detect the presence of communicable disease or infections.

(b)   Provide for the immediate control of disease, when identified, through the formulation of policies and procedures.

(c)   Develop and monitor the implementation of procedures for aseptic and isolation techniques.

(d)      Periodically review, and revise as needed, all policies and procedures relating to infection control.

(e)   Establish effective communication with the local health department in order to obtain available assistance and to provide for the interchange of information necessary for the control of disease in the nursing home and prevent the potential spread of disease to the community.

History: 1981 AACS.