Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. Reprocess – To make good the device for reuse by any or a combination of the following processes: Cleaning, Disinfection/decontamination, Sterilization, Refurbishment, Repackaging Reuse – Another episode of use, or repeated episodes of use, of a medical device, which has undergone some form of reprocessing between each episode Reprocessing Procedures To successfully reprocess a device that has been used on a patient, the professional staff must be able to clean it thoroughly, sterilize it to acceptable standards (if applicable), and ensure that reprocessing and reuse will not degrade its functioning. Cleanliness is important because even measurably sterile devices can harbor biological material from previous uses that may prove a health risk for subsequent patients. Potentially, this biological residue by itself can prove toxic to new patients, and it also can form a crust to shield harmful bacteria from sterilization procedures. For these reasons, reprocessors assert that they choose devices to reprocess carefully, rejecting those that cannot be cleaned thoroughly or that are damaged by sterilization or reprocessing procedures. The reprocess may include contact third-party firms, followed similar reprocessing procedures. Devices to be reprocessed are collected following established procedures and are frequently rinsed or otherwise cleaned soon after use, before they are sent to the reprocessing facility. There the devices are cleaned, refurbished, inspected, and sterilized. The third-party reprocessors told us that they check the function of every device before it is sterilized and returned to the client. These firms also told us that they do not mix devices from different healthcare settings. The recent concern over proper cleaning procedures for reusable devices has also emphasized the hazards of reprocessing and reusing single-use devices. Whereas our Agency will use reusable devices that have instructions for proper cleaning and sterilization only. Frequently Reprocessed SUDs in Home setting (always following cleanse and sterilization guidelines recommended by manufacture): Equipment/devices owned by the client that are reused in their home must be adequately cleaned prior to reuse. Cardiovascular Devices Blood pressure cuff (owned by patient or staff) Respiratory Devices Respiratory therapy and anesthesia breathing circuits Gastroenterology/Urology Devices Endoscopic guidewires, Endoscopic staplers, Extraction balloons/baskets Orthopedic Devices External fixation device Other Medical Devices Glucometer lancets (owned by patient), OR gowns, Sharps containers, Infusion pump, Thermometers (owned by patient or staff), oximeters (owned by patient or staff) Training: Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-179