We apply mask-fit testing to all those who might have direct patient interaction with a potentially contagious patient. This could include such “cats and dogs” as registration, nutrition, etc. So we as Employee Health, in coordination with
Infection Control, identify which sections or departments need to wear a mask.
We leave it to the department heads to determine which exact employees in their department need to be fit tested. The department chair knows who does the direct patient care, vs who is in a low risk job with little chance of exposure.
As for program employment, departments are spread out throughout the year, with 1 or 2 departments assigned a specific month. That way, each department is re-fitted in the 12th month from last fitting. It could allow a “slippage”
of a couple of weeks from the 12-month standard (fitted Day 5 last year and Day 20 this year), but it certainly meets the intent. The department head decides whether to have us come over to a staff meeting or similar event and knock out as many as we can,
or let employees come to us on their own. We send regular compliance updates to the department head with cc to the appropriate senior leader (vice president level) if non-compliance becomes an issue.
It's not a perfect program, and we have discussed doing the entire hospital in one month, but this would require 1-2 dedicated individuals to do nothing but masks for that entire month. That is still under consideration.
David
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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+dcockrum=frhs.org@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of PRATER, DEANNA
Sent: Wednesday, November 7, 2018 10:38 AM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Annual Fit testing requirements
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Good Morning,
How does your organization identify which departments are required to complete annual fit testing? Are there clear guidelines from OSHA. For those hospitals that do have a routine for annual fit testing, do you have a seamless approach
to get everyone checked off each year?
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