Section 631.2 - DefinitionsThe following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Bloodborne pathogen." A pathogenic microorganism which is present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. The term includes hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
"Department." The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.
"Employer." An employer having public employees whose duties could reasonably result in occupational exposure to blood or other material potentially containing a bloodborne pathogen.
"Engineered sharps injury protection." Any of the following:
(1) A physical attribute built into a needle device used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing a vein or artery or administering medications or other fluids which effectively reduces the risk of exposure to bodily fluid by a mechanism such as barrier creation, blunting, encapsulation, withdrawal, retraction, destruction or other effective mechanisms.(2) A physical attribute built into any other type of needle device or into a nonneedle sharp which effectively reduces the risk of exposure to bodily fluid. "Needleless system." A device which does not utilize needles for: (1) the withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established;(2) the administration of medication or fluids; or(3) any other procedure involving the potential for exposure to bodily fluid. "Public employee." An employee of the Commonwealth or a political subdivision employed in a health care facility, home health care organization or other facility providing health care-related services:(1) whose activities involve contact with a patient or with blood or other body fluid from a patient in a health care or laboratory setting; or(2) who is responsible for direct patient care with potential occupational exposure to a sharps injury. The term does not include a licensed individual who provides only intraoral care. "Sharp." An object used or encountered in a health care setting which can be reasonably anticipated to penetrate the skin or any other part of the body and to result in exposure to bodily fluid. The term includes a needle device, scalpel or lancet, broken glass, or a broken capillary tube.
"Sharps injury." An injury caused by a sharp and resulting in exposure to bodily fluid. The term includes any cut, abrasion or needlestick.
"Sharps injury log." A written or electronic record of sharps injuries.
2001 , Dec. 13, P.L. 873, No. 96, § 2, effective in 120 days.