Iowa Department of Public Health has a great information sheet, called “Pregnant Healthcare Worker” Fact sheet. That’s what we use as our reference.

Lois Caulum, RN, MS, COHN-S

Clinical Manager

Employee Health Services

lacaulum@gundersenhealth.org

FBB-002

1900 South Ave

LaCrosse, WI 54601

608-775-3849 or ext. 53849

Fax 608-775-4505

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Pless, Betsy S.
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 2:50 PM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Guidelines for Pregnant Healthcare Workers

Hello

I am interested in hearing what type of policy your institution has regarding pregnant healthcare workers and infectious disease risks, chemical exposure hazards and physical hazards which may be of special concern during pregnancy.

We already have policies r/t prenatal radiation exposure and handling of antineoplastic agents—that is NOT the issue.

Our current policy basically says that with proper use of Standard Precautions there is no need for additional precautions for a pregnant healthcare worker to prevent transmission of disease.

I am getting push back from some directors who want it spelled out more clearly that it is OK for  pregnant employees to  provide care to patients with various Dx including VRE, CMV, and other MRDOs.  I think they are getting pregnant employees who are refusing assignments d/t pregnancy.

All of our employees must show immunity to Varicella, Measles, Mumps and Rubella before starting.

Thanks much

Betsy

Betsy Pless, PhD, FNP-C, COHN-S

Director, Employee Health Center

ARMC

Athens, Georgia  30606

706-475-3071