Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. SINGLE USE MEDICAL DEVICES POLICY Introduction The reprocessing and reuse of single-use medical devices (like lancets device) is a long standing practice although the Medical Devices Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises against this. Users often justify the reprocessing of such devices on the basis of economic and environmental benefits. These perceived benefits are questionable as many of the processes require to ensure that the device is safe and fit for its intended purpose cannot be undertaken by the reprocessor (a person who undertakes the reprocessing/adequately sanitize of amedical device). Many single-use devices are also reusedwithout adequate evaluation of the increased risk to patients’. It is the Policy of our Agency that medical devices identified by themanufacturer as single usewill never be reprocessed within an Agency or community setting and used for another patient. Policy Aim It is the aimof this policy to draw to the attention of staff hazards and risks associated with reprocessing and reusing single-use medical devices. It is the responsibility of each field staff, including independent contractor to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) and ensure the Health and Safety of staff. The Agency recommends that field staff/contractors apply the principles of this policy as minimum standards within their practices to ensure their professional and contractual duties are discharged. Policy outcome Field Staff will use medical devices safely and appropriately. Single use items will not be reused. Target group • Field employee salaried/direct staff. • Shared as best practice with independent contractor staff, staffing agencies.. Specific responsibilities Board of Directors The Board has collective responsible for ensuring assurance that appropriate and effective policies are in place to minimize the risks of health care associated infections. Director of Nursing, Clinical Manager (Infection Prevention and Control) It is the responsibility of the Director of Nursing, Clinical Manager in his/her role as Infection Prevention and Control to oversee the development and implementation of infection prevention and control policies. Infection Prevention and Control Team It is the responsibility of the Infection Prevention and Control Team to ensure this policy is reviewed and amended at the review date or prior to this following new developments in single use. Care Managers It is the responsibility of managers to ensure that staff have read the Single use policy and that staff have a suitable and adequate supply of single-use products appropriate to the care environment. Field Staff It is the responsibility of field staff to ensure they follow the legal requirements as detailed in this policy. Cross reference related this policy • Management of Healthcare Waste Policy • Medical Devices Policy • Waste Policy • Nursing, Therapy Services Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-176