16 Del. Admin. Code § 3345-9.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 4, October 1, 2024

Section 3345-9.0 - Infection Prevention and Control Program

9.1 The agency 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.

9.1.1 The infection prevention and control program must cover all services provided by the agency, including provision of the appropriate personal protective equipment for all customers and staff.

9.2 The individual designated to lead the agency'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 agency's infection control outcomes.

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

9.4 Specific Requirements for COVID-19

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

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

9.4.3 The agency 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 consumers by staff, vendor or volunteer found to be positive for COVID-19 in an infectious stage.

9.5 The agency shall amend their policies and procedures to include:

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

9.5.2 Staff refusals to participate in COVID-19 testing;

9.5.3 Staff refusals to authorize release of testing results or vaccination status to the agency;

9.5.4 Procedures to obtain staff authorizations for release of laboratory test results to the agency to inform infection control and prevention strategies; and

9.5.5 Plans to address staffing shortages and agency demands should a COVID-19 outbreak occur.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 3345-9.0

25 DE Reg. 772( 2/1/2022) (final)