Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-943.11 - Universal precautions

Any service provider shall practice universal precautions consistently by observing the following:

(1) Thoroughly wash hands after smoking, vaping, eating, using the restroom, etc., and before providing services to each client. Hand sanitizers or gloves are not an acceptable substitute for hand washing.

(2) Maintain biohazard sharps container for disposing of used needles, razor blades and other sharp instruments in establishments. These containers shall be located as close to the use area as is practical. These containers shall not be filled above the designated "fill line" and shall be disposed of in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

(3) Wear disposable gloves or may refuse to provide the service when encountering clients with open sores. Gloves shall only be used on a single client and shall be disposed of after the client's service. Any time gloves are used during a service, wash hands both before gloves are worn and after they are removed.

(4) Refrain from all direct client care and from handling client-care equipment if the service provider has open sores that cannot be effectively covered.

(5) Clean and disinfect instruments and implements pursuant to rule 481-943.13 (157).

(6) Place instruments and supplies that have been used on a client or soiled in any manner in the proper receptacles clearly labeled "used." All used items shall be kept separate from items that are disinfected and ready for use.

(7) Store disinfectant solution in the dispensary.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-943.11

ARC 7922C, IAB 5/1/2024, effective 7/1/2024; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 9/18/2024