16 Del. Admin. Code § 3305-IV-15.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 3305-IV-15.0 - Infection Prevention and Control Program

15.1 The group home shall establish and implement an infection prevention and control program which shall be based upon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other nationally recognized infection prevention and control guidelines.

15.1.1 The infection prevention and control program must cover all services and all areas of the group home, including provision of the appropriate personal protective equipment for all patients/residents, staff and visitors.

15.2 The individual designated to lead the group home's infection prevention and control program must develop and implement a comprehensive plan that includes actions to prevent, identify, and manage infections and communicable diseases. The plan must include mechanisms that result in immediate action to take preventive or corrective measures that improve the group home's infection control outcomes.

15.3 All group home staff shall receive orientation at the time of employment and annual in-service education regarding the infection prevention and control program.

15.4 Specific Requirements for COVID-19

15.4.1 Before their start date, all new staff, vendors and volunteers must be tested for COVID-19 in accordance with Division of Public Health guidance.

15.4.2 All staff, vendors and volunteers must be tested for COVID-19 in a manner consistent with Division of Public Health guidance.

15.4.3 The group home must follow recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Division of Public Health regarding the provision of care or services to patients/residents by staff, vendor or volunteer found to be positive for COVID-19 in an infectious stage.

15.5 The group home shall amend their policies and procedures to include:

15.5.1 Work exclusion and return to work protocols for staff tested positive for COVID-19;

15.5.2 Staff refusals to participate in COVID-19 testing;

15.5.3 Staff refusals to authorize release of testing results or vaccination status to the licensee;

15.5.4 Procedures to obtain staff authorizations for release of laboratory test results to the group home to inform infection control and prevention strategies; and

15.5.5 Plans to address staffing shortages and licensee demands should a COVID-19 outbreak occur.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 3305-IV-15.0

25 DE Reg. 764 (2/1/2022) (final)