Reporting Signs of Drug Abuse
Paula Davies Scimeca, RN, MS, CARN, and author of Unbecoming a Nurse: Bypassing the Hidden Chemical Dependency Trap, recently wrote a guest post for the CDC’s Safe Healthcare blog. (https://blogs.cdc.gov/safehealthcare/out-from-under-the-bus/) about reporting drug abuse in a health care setting. “Many health professionals believe that reporting a colleague’s alcohol or other drug problem is “throwing them under […]
Information Security and Vendors
The very sad truth is the world is full of criminals and you have something they want: information and materials. You may have all technical safeguards in place to protect yourself from computer hackers and break-ins; however, what are you doing about the stream of people who walk in your office for business purposes? One […]
Demystifying OSHA Inspections Part 3: The Actual Inspection
When OSHA decides to inspect your practice, the inspector(s) will show up at your door without notice. What happens then? What are your rights? When an inspector shows up, get a business card. Ask the inspector to have a seat in the lobby while you notify management and the OSHA Officer. We recommend delaying the […]
It’s Your Call February 2017
OSHA: Glove Types Nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves have been sold in the market for years, and it is important to wear the right ones for the work you do. How does your facility decide which gloves should be purchased? Answer: Cost should not be the single gauge for choosing the type of glove […]
DEMYSTIFYING OSHA INSPECTIONS: Part 2: What are the steps of an OSHA Inspection?
THE SELECTION. Last month’s newsletter discussed how a practice is chosen by OSHA for an inspection. If you missed it you can view the past newsletters on our website. THE PHYSICAL INSPECTION. An OSHA Inspector(s) will show up at your door. The inspector will gather basic information on your business and ask to view documents. […]
Demystifying OSHA Inspections Part 1:
How does your practice get chosen by OSHA to be inspected? The usual way for a practice gets inspected is when an employee, ex-employee or patient reports it to OSHA for violations of OSHA regulations. This is called a “for cause” inspection. If a current employee reports a true regulation offense then a practice will […]
Ban on Powdered Gloves
Effective January 18, 2017, the FDA has issued a ban on the manufacturing, distribution or use of powdered gloves. Below is a statement included in the Final Rule: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) has determined that Powdered Surgeon’s Gloves, Powdered Patient Examination Gloves, and Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’s Glove present […]
It’s Your Call – January 2017
OSHA: Coo Coo for Compliance Do you remember Sonny the Cuckoo Bird? He did everything possible to hide from Cocoa Puffs, yet somehow things, people, or words would trigger him to go insane for General Mills’ cereal. What triggers for your office to go Coo Coo for Compliance? The start of a New Year triggers […]
It’s Your Call December 2016
OSHA: Laundry time You finished a procedure and your scrubs are contaminated. What else is considered contaminated laundry? How does your facility handle it? The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 1910.1030(b) says that laundry which has been soiled with blood or other potentially infectious material or may contain sharps is considered contaminated. There is a possibility of […]
Zika Likely Here to Stay
The Zika virus was a hot topic at CityLab 2016 held in Miami, FL, the last week in October. This annual gathering of global mayors and urban leaders was presented by the Aspen Institute, The Atlantic, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Brazilian outbreak last winter was the first time most Americans had ever heard of […]