CALA News & Views | Issue 49 | Top 5

Infection Control This section contributed by Josh Allen, Allen Flores Consulting Group

Infection control was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, and senior living providers followed state, federal and local public health guidance. The Department of Social Services also released infection control regulations during this time that providers must comply with. Following are five infection control tips to help maintain compliance.

Keep it simple! The basics of infection control are the most effective components. Have clear policies and train your staff on hand hygiene and use of gloves. When to perform hand hygiene? Infection Control regulations include washing with soap and water, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or other method recommended by medical or health care professionals. The regulations require hand hygiene must be performed “immediately before and after resident care; before and after handling, preparing or eating foods; before and after assisting with medications; after contact with blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious material, or contaminated surfaces; 1 2 Diane Marie O’Malley is a partner at Hanson Bridgett LLP, in their Labor and Employment Section. Her practice concentrates exclusively on representing employers mainly in the senior living and public transit industries. Scott Bertulis , CSP, ARM, CSPHA, is the Senior Vice President, Risk Control for Marsh Senior Living & LTC Industry Practice , US and Canada. Samir J. Abdelnour is a partner in Hanson Bridgett’s Environment, Natural Resources and Land Use practice group. He advises clients on state and federal hazardous waste management, storage and disposal laws across a variety of industries. Josh Allen, RN, is principal for Allen Flores Consulting Group , which provides clinical management and consulting services to Assisted Living providers throughout the United States, and a CALA board member. 3 4 5

immediately before putting gloves on and immediately after removing gloves; and when hands are visibly soiled.” Update your infection control plan at least once per year, and ensure your staff are aware of it and training is documented. Ensure you have proper biohazard waste procedures in place. This should include proper definition of biohazard waste, appropriate storage containers, and waste removal. Are you compliant with Cal/OSHA fit testing requirements? All staff who are required to wear a respirator at work (such as an N95 when caring for residents with COVID) must have a medical clearance and fit testing.

CALA’s Legal Library, a free resource made available through a partnership with Hanson Bridgett LLP, a CALA premier partner, provides guidance and clarity on many issues that apply to senior living providers. Click here to access the Legal Library for additional resources. LEGAL LIBRARY

Worried About Wages? Setting fair and competitive wages and benefits is critical to employee recruitment and retention, especially in these unprecedented times. CALA’s Compensation Study provides data specifically for Assisted Living, Memory Care and CCRCs in California. Plan now to participate, beginning mid-May. Contact Kevin Swartzendruber with questions. compensation study

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 49 | MARCH 2024

7

www.CAassistedliving.org