I was recently very excited to learn of the CDC release entitled Guide to Infection Prevention in Outpatient Settings. Since a large portion of my time is spent in infection prevention I am always looking for new and updated information to share in order to help practices provide a safer patient encounter. Just to clarify, the out-patient setting in this document refers to all delivery systems in the medical community in which the patients do not remain overnight with the exception of dialysis centers. While this document’s focus is on the medical environment, it certainly can apply to the dental environment as well. But, keep in mind, dental practices have Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings, a very clearly outlined set of infection control standards which were published by the CDC in 2003.

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By Karen Gregory, RN, Director of Compliance and Education for Total Medical Compliance.

Today I sit looking out my office window thinking about the snow we had this past winter. It seems winter was long and very unusual this year. Even the coast of our fair state (NC) received some of the white flakes. I must admit I long for the day I can throw open the windows and just air out my little space, otherwise known at our house as “spring cleaning”.

But, what does spring cleaning have to do with compliance? At each of the Infection Control/SPICE seminars I present I have attendees go through an activity. I will challenge each of you now, as I do for those attending the seminar: the next time you enter your office, walk in the front door as a patient or potential new employee or even an OSHA inspector would enter. Now, ask your selves the following questions:

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