The California regulations exceed existing federal guidelines,
close the biggest loopholes in CDC regulations, and replicate the
demands NNU has made across the nation for two months.
Some highlights of the new standards:
• California hospitals are now required to have full-body protective
suits that meet the American Society for Testing and Materials F1670
standard for blood penetration, F1671 standard for viral penetration,
that leave no skin exposed or unprotected, and that are available for
all hospital staff providing care for a suspected or confirmed Ebola
patient, employees cleaning contaminated areas, and staff assisting
other employees with the removal of contaminated protective gear.
• Hospitals must provide air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) with a
full cowl or hood for optimal protection for the head, face, and neck of
any RN or other staff who provide care for a suspected or confirmed
Ebola patient. Like the suits, this requirement extends to cleaning
contaminated areas or assisting staff in removal of protective gear.
Both these respirators and the suits have been a key NNU demand.
• Infection by the Ebola virus can occur not just through direct
contact with droplets of bodily fluids, but even through aerosol
transmission of fluids from coughing or other aerosol exposure with
a symptomatic Ebola patient.
• Regular training is required for any staff at risk of exposure, includ-
ing hands-on practice in teams with the ability to interact and ask ques-
tions. Computer-based training does not meet the requirement.
• Employees who report hospitals that violate the regulations
are protected from retaliation by their employers with whistle-blower
protections.
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 W W W . N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G N A T I O N A L N U R S E 17
TOP:
DAVE
CAMPBELL
