I dealt with this exact issue at another hospital. There probably is a written policy now, but not then. Risk Management would be policy owner.

We treated these patients like we would if our employee had been exposed.

Each patient was contacted and advised of the situation.

We offered testing to those who wanted it... HIV, Hep C and Hep B.

Positive test results resulted in referral to an ID physician and costs of testing, evaluation and treatment were managed by our Risk management department.

Infection prevention headed up the project partnering with ID physicians to ensure we followed appropriate protocols, performed labs for viral loads for positive results and other medical directives that were pertinent.. Occ Health made contacts and scheduled patients for blood draws.

Occ Health Supplied staff to do the blood draws.

420 exposed patients to contaminated scopes were tested and referred as appropriate. Of course, the press was involved, TV and news paper, but the organization was transparent with all.

Thanks,

Kathy Dayvault, RN, BSN, MPH
Manager, Occupational Health and Safety
WorksWell Onsite
Dekalb Medical 2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033
ph: 404.501.4972 Fax:404-501-2045
kathy.dayvault@dekalbmedical.org

From: "Kumar, Bindu, MD" <KumarB@MLHS.ORG>
To: "'mcoh-eh@mylist.net'" <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>,
Date: 02/15/2017 11:01 AM
Subject: [MCOH-EH] policy question
Sent by: "MCOH-EH" <mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net>

List,
Does anyone have a policy you are willing to share on how your organization manages the exposure of a patients (consumers) to contaminated equipment, for example? I know we have heard of many examples of Hep C exposures to contaminated scopes for example. If anyone is willing to share resources, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Bindu Kumar MD, CCBOM, MRO
Associate Medical Director
Occupational and Travel Health
Main Line Health
484-476-2881
Fax: 610-886-0164
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