NAC449.5285. Sanitation: Precautions regarding blood and bodily fluids.

     1. Any activity relating to the care of a patient of a facility must be provided in accordance with the provisions of 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1030(d)(1)-(3), relating to bloodborne pathogens.

     2. Each member of the staff of the facility shall wash his or her hands immediately before and after each contact with a patient that may expose the member of the staff to any blood or fluids of the body of the patient. The location and arrangement of any area of the facility that is used for washing hands must permit ease of access and proper use.

     3. A sink that is used for washing hands must be readily accessible in each area of the facility that is used to care for patients of the facility. Each fixture and lavatory located in that area must be trimmed with valves which may be operated without the use of hands. There must be sufficient clearance for the operation of blade-type handles, if those handles are used.

     4. Provisions for drying hands must be included in any area of the facility that is used for washing hands.

     5. If a patient of a facility or a member of the patient’s family intends to assist a member of the staff of the facility in conducting a procedure that may cause the patient or member of the patient’s family to come into contact with any blood or bodily fluids, the member of the staff of the facility shall, before the procedure is conducted:

     (a) Explain to the patient or member of the patient’s family the potential risks associated with blood and any products of blood; and

     (b) Provide to the patient or member of the patient’s family the appropriate equipment to protect the patient or member of the patient’s family from those risks.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R130-99, eff. 8-1-2001)