Infection Control: New York State Mandatory Training

Course overview

The purpose of this activity is to: 1.Provide learners with the information they need to practice safely in New York State in the area of infection control; and 2.Fulfill the mandatory training requirement. Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to: Element I Identify benefits to patients and healthcare providers of adhering to scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control; State the legal requirement for select licensed professionals regarding adhering to scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control. Element II Describe how pathogenic organisms may be spread in healthcare settings; Identify the factors which influence the outcome of an exposure; List strategies for preventing transmission of pathogenic organisms; Describe how infection control concepts are applied in professional practice. Element III Define healthcare-associated disease transmission, engineering controls, safe injection practices, and work practice controls; Describe specific high-risk practices and procedures that increase the opportunity for healthcare worker and patient exposure to potentially infectious material; Describe specific measures to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens from patient to patient, healthcare worker to patient, and patient to healthcare worker via contaminated injection equipment; Identify work practice controls designed to eliminate the transmission of bloodborne pathogens during use of sharp instruments (e.g., scalpel blades and their holders (if not disposable), lancets, lancet platforms/pens, puncture devices, injections); and Identify where engineering or work practice controls can be utilized to prevent patient exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Element IV Describe the circumstances which require the use of barriers and personal protective equipment to prevent patient or healthcare worker contact with potentially infectious material; Identify specific barriers or personal protective equipment for patient and healthcare worker protection from exposure to potentially infectious material. Element V Define cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization; Differentiate between non critical, semi critical, and critical medical devices; Describe the three levels of disinfection; Discuss the importance of the correct application of reprocessing methods for assuring the safety and integrity of patient care equipment in preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; Element VI Discuss the professional's responsibility for maintaining a safe patient care environment in all healthcare settings; and Identify strategies for, and importance of, effective and appropriate pre-cleaning, chemical disinfection, and sterilization of instruments and medical devices aimed at preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens.