Previous Issues of Report of the Month

North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE)

2007

Volume XI, Number 1 - 2007

Contact Times for Surface Disinfectants

OSHA Enforcement of the Annual Fit Testing Requirement

Update to Legislative Communicable Disease Report Cards

New Pandemic Flu Guidance Released by OSHA
Organizations Change Names
Management of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Healthcare Settings, 2006
Immunization Recommendations
Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus
North Carolina to Receive More Equitable Funding for Individuals Infected with HIV/AIDS
Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic
Pandemic Flu Checklists
MMWR Recommendations and Reports. Revised Recommendations for HIV Testing of Adults, Adolescents, and Pregnant Women in Health-Care Settings
Standard Allows Administration of Flu and Pneumococcal Vaccines without Physician Order
CMS Issues Letter Supporting Use of Alcohol-Based Surgical Skin Preps
OSHA Unveils New Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Pandemic Flu
FDA Clears First Respirators for Use in Public Health Medical Emergencies
New North Carolina Unified Isolation Signage
Recognitions

Volume XI, Number 2 - 2007

CMS Passes New Rules Limiting Reimbursement for HAI's

Pregnant Women and Varicella Policy

NC Communicable Disease Rule Revisions, Including HIV Testing

Infection Control Monitor Report: CMS revises interpretive guidelines for infection control regulations
SPICE CBIC course passes NC Board of Nursing (BON) Continued Competency Requirement
New CDC Fact Sheet on MRSA in Schools
Infection Control Monitor Report: Drugmaker to put stronger warning label on flu drug
Infection Control Monitor Report: Look for revised Joint Commission IC standards in 2009
Infection Control Monitor Report: Improve environmental cleaning
MMWR Report: Salmonella Oranienburg Infections Associated with Fruit Salad Served in Health-Care Facilities
MMWR Report: FDA Approval of an Alternate Dosing Schedule for a Combined Hepatitis A and B Vaccine (Twinrix)
CDC - New sharps pamphlet for worker training

2006

Volume X, Number 1 - 2006

Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Placement
NC Pandemic Influenza Plan Updated

Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005

CA-MRSA Information on SPICE Web Page
New Guidelines for Pacemaker Insertion in the Catheterization Lab
Immunization Strategy to Eliminate Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus
Ralstonia, Respiratory Device Recall
Supplemental Testing for Confirmation of Reactive Oral Fluid Rapid HIV Antibody Tests
Recall of Immunodiagnositc HBsAg Confirmatory Kit
Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule 2006
Legionella in Ornamental Fountains
$100 Million to Accelerate State and Local Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Efforts
Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families
New Laboratory Test to Detect Human Infections with Avian Influenza

Volume X, Number 2 - 2006

Change of Practice - Check Your Practice: Two of four disinfectants recommended for cleaning eye exam equipment are ine according to UNC Health Care study

Microfiber Cleaning

Amendments to North Carolina Reportable Diseases and Condit

JCAHO Clarifies Position on Alcohol Hand Sanitizers
Influenza Vaccination of Health-Care Personnel Recommendations
Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Among Adolescents
CDC's Advisory Committee Recommends New Vaccine to Prevent Rotavirus
FDA-Requested Recall - Cytosol Laboratories, Inc.
FDA Recall of Some Lots of Cefazolin
New OSHA Handbooks on Glutaraldehyde and Mold
FDA Licenses New Vaccine to Reduce Older Americans' Risk of Shingles
New Antibiotic Active Against Resistant Hospital Pathogens
Boca Medical Products, Inc. Issues Nationwide Recall of Insulin Syringe Product

Volume X, Number 3 - 2006

Changing Epidemiology of Clostridium Difficile - Importance of a Clean Environment

Private Rooms are the Standard for New Construction
New JCAHO Standard Addresses Influenza Vaccination for Staff

Systems Failure versus Personal Accountability - The Case for Clean Hands

International Infection Prevention Week
Prevention and Control of Influenza
CDC's Advisory Committee Recommends Changes in Varicella Vaccinations
Updated Recommendations for the Control and Elimination of Mumps
Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Correctional and Detention Facililities
Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods
Voluntary Recall of Comfort Shield® Perineal Care Washcloths
Reprocessing of Reusable Ultrasound Transducer Assemblies Used for Biopsy Procedures
Laboratory Testing and Practices for Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA)
Quick Diagnosis of Flu Strains Possible with New Microchip Test
The Flu Gallery - Materials for the 2006-07 Flu Season

2005

Volume IX, 1 - January-February

What Does the New OSHA Fit Testing Legislation Mean for North Carolina Hospitals?

CMS Soon to Approve Hand Rubs in Corridors

Handwashing Sink Required for Modular Unit

New Jersey Requires Certification for infection Control Professionals
2005 Edition of the APIC Text
Core Curriculum on Tuberculosis: What the Clinician Should Know Course on CD-ROM
New Edition of Practical Handbook for Healthcare Epidemiologists
Draft Tuberculosis Guidelines
Current Issues in Infection Control, Disinfection and Sterilization Symposium
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Associated with Pulsatile Lavage Wound Treatment
New Publication Highlights Protection of Hospital Workers During Emergencies

Volume IX, 2 - March-May 2005

Prevention of Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Among Persons Undergoing Blood Glucose Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities

Revision to TB Skin-Testing Requirements in North Carolina Long-Term Care Facilities

New Card for Reporting Communicable Diseases in North Carolina

Updates to NC TB Policy Manual
New Expert Panel Report Examines Standards of Care During Mass Casualty Events
First Combination Vaccine Approved to Help Protect Adolescents Against Whopping Cough
NC TB Institute
Rubella No Longer Major Public Health Threat in the United States
Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Solutions Allowed in Egress Corridors
OSHA Recordkeeping Handbook Available Online
OSHA Updates Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention Web Site
Hospital Report Cards on the Internet
Handy Hygiene Study
Bush Order Allows Isolation of Those with Bird Flu
CDC Advisory Committee Offers Guidance to States on Developing Systems for Public Reporting of Healthcare-Associated Infections
Bayer Gets FDA Approval for Hepatitis C Test
Bayer Gets FDA Approval for Hepatitis A Blood Test

Volume IX, Number 3 - 2005

NFPA Amends Ruling, Specifically Allows Alcohol-based Preps
Influenza

Prevention and Control of Influenza
Update: Influenza Vaccine Supply and Recommendations for Prioritization During the 2005-06 Influenza Season
Influenza Vaccine Fluarix Approved
Adamantane-Resistant Influenza Viruses Increasing Worldwide

From the CDC and FDA

CDC Pneumonia Definitions
Updated Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis (CDC)
FDA and CDC Issue Alert on Menactra Meningococcal Vaccine and Guillain Barre Syndrome
FDA Approves VAQTA® (Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated) for Children Aged More Than One Year
FDA Approves a New Combination Vaccine against Whooping Cough
FDA Adds Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Electrosurgical Accessories to the List of Reprocessed SUDs Subject to Premarket Notification Requirements

Nosocomial Burkholderia cepacia Pneumonia Associated with Contaminated Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Reduction in Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Among Patients in Intensive Care Units
Ralstonia Associated with Vapotherm Oxygen Delivery Device
Adult Immunization Schedule Updated
JCAHO 2006 National Patient Safety Goals
HIV Screening for Pregnant Women
Survey on Patient Safety Culture
Review of Clinical Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Humans
Hurricane-Related Infectious Disease Risk Slides

Volume IX, Number 4 - 2005

Effective Way to Eliminate Clostridium difficile in the Environment
NC Discouraging Personal Stockpiles of Antivirals

Routine Culturing in Pharmacy

International Code Council Revises Safety Codes to Conform to CMS

CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Expands Hepatitis A Vaccination for Children
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice Recommends Adult Vaccination with New Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccine
Recommended Antimicrobial Agents for the Treatment and Postexposure Prophylaxis of Pertussis
Guidelines for the Investigation of Contacts of Persons with Infectious Tuberculosis
Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan
SPICE Influenza Web Page
European Team Develops Human Vaccine for H7N1 Bird Flu Strain
FDA Approves First Test to Screen for West Nile Virus in Donors of Blood, Organs,Cells and Tissues
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Patient Care Web Page

2004

Volume VIII, 1 - January-February 2004

Avian Influenza Outbreaks

New Information about Disposing of Medical Sharps in the Home Health Care Setting

Noroviruses

American Hospital Association Letter to OSHA about TB Rule
OSHA Delays Enforcement of Respiratory Protection Rule Provisions
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Now on OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page
JCAHO 2005 Pre-publication Edition Infection Control Standards
JCAHO Disease-Specific Care National Patient Safety Goals
Environmental Guidelines Seminar

Volume VIII, 2 - March-April 2004

Third Case of VRSA - Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Change in Laboratory Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Recommended

OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard Medical Evaluation Requirement

Is It Legal to Mount Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Dispensers in Egress Corridors?

54th Annual Tuberculosis/Respiratory Disease Institute in North Carolina
Proposed OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
Easy Access to Requirements Page on JCAHO Website
Ricin: New Topic on OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page
Guidelines for Preventing Health-Care--Associated Pneumonia, 2003
Manufacturer's Recall of Rapid Cartridge Assay Kits
Recall of Nasal Spray Contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia Complex
FDA Approves First Oral Fluid Based Rapid HIV Test Kit
Comment Period Extended for Assigned Protection Factors Rule
Avian Flu Subject of Safety and Health Guidance
Manufacturer's Recall of Human Rabies Vaccine

Volume VIII, Number 3 - July-August 2004

Disinfection of Computer Keyboards
New Edition of North Carolina Tuberculosis Policy Manual

OSHA Fit Testing for Tuberculosis Mandate Update

Patient Custody of Internal Body Tissues or Organs (Body Parts)

New Disinfection and Sterilization Web Site
New Contraindication for Cidex OPA Solution
Flu Recommendations
CDC Isolation Draft Guideline
OSHA Respiratory Protection Revised Standard Adds A New Fit-Testing Protocol
New AHRQ Evidence Report Helps Hospitals Respond to Bioterrorism or Other Public Health Emergencies
FDA Approves Rapid Anthrax Blood Test
FDA Clears Medicinal Leeches for Marketing
Renewed Focus on Safety and Health Guidance for Avian Flu
FDA Approves Levaquin Antibiotic for Resistant Pneumonia
TaqMan and TaqMan 48 Analyzers Recalled by FDA

Volume VIII, Number 4 - September-October 2004

How to Avoid the Flu: Precautions Can Reduce the Risk

Rule Changes for North Carolina Reportable Diseases and Conditons

JCAHO Enforces New Pharmacy Rules

Change in Numbering of North Carolina Infection Control Law
New Control of Communicable Diseases Manual
Revised OSHA Document on Catheter Securement Requires Annual Review
New Guide Helps Communities Prepare for Vaccine and Drug Dispensing in the Event of a Bioterrorism or Other Public Health Emergency
Surgical Care Improvement Partnership

2003

Volume VII, Number 1 - January-February 2003

Vaccinia Disease: A Reportable Communicable Disease in North Carolina

New DOT Rules on Packaging of Suction Canisters Update
Alcohol Hand Sanitizers

CDC Issues Health Alert About Atypical Pneumonia - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Surveillance for Human Cases of Avian Flu Type A
New CDC Guideline
Smallpox Vaccination Information
OSHA Launches Electronic Training Tool on Anthrax
New Strep B Test for Pregnant Women

Volume VII, Number 2 - March-April 2003

Shortage of N95 Respirators

President Bush Signs Smallpox Compensation

Infection Control for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Bladder Instillation for Cancer

CDC Criteria for Defining Nosocomial Pneumonia
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Web Page
Pocket Guide to Bioterrorism
OSHA Ergonomics Guideline for Nursing Homes

Volume VII, Number 3 - May-June 2003

SHEA Issues Guideline for Preventing Nosocomial Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus

OSHA Officially Withdraws TB Rule

FDA Bans Alcohol-based Hand Gels for Food Service Workers

CDC Environmental Guidelines
OSHA Proposes Revised Respiratory Protection Standards
Treatment of Tuberculosis
FDA Warns about Toxicity of Lindane
FDA Clears Rapid Test for Aspergillus Infection
FDA Approves First Drug in New Class of HIV Treatments for HIV Infected Adults and Children With Advanced Disease
INTERGEL Adhesion Prevention Solution Withdrawn
JCAHO 2004 Standards Now Online
McDonald's Issues Antibiotics Policy

Volume VII, Number 4 - July-August 2003

SPICE and APIC-NC Survey About the Location of Alcohol-based Hand Rub Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities
Alcohol-based Hand Rubs and Fire Safety in Healthcare Facilities

JCAHO Announces 2004 National Patient Safety Goals

Influenza Vaccine Recommendation
FluMist Not Recommended for Healthcare Workers

SPICE Internet - Updated SARS Resources
OSHA Issues Final Rule on Recordkeeping Form
FDA Clears First Test for West Nile Virus
New Model Helps Hospitals and Health Systems Better Respond to Potential Bioterrorism
New Topics Added to OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Page
Comment Period Extended on Revision to OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
OSHA Publishes New Safety and Health Information Bulletins

Volume VII, Number 5 - September-October 2003

Public Health Epidemiologist Joins SPICE Staff

Revised NC Sanitation Rules in Effect

North Carolina Adds Vaccinia to Communicable Disease Report Card

CDC Public Health Guidance for Community-Level Preparedness and Response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Additions to SPICE SARS Web Page
Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
JCAHO Information About Safety Goals on Infections and Communication
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Topic of New Safety and Health Bulletin

Volume VII, Number 6 - November-December 2003

Intracellular Biofilm-like Pods May Be Reservoirs for Recurrent UTI's
Bioterrorism Agents II Wall Chart

JCAHO Strengthens Infection Control Goals

Definitions for Flu Activity

Complete Environmental Infection Control Guideline Available
CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings -2003
OSHA Provides Bulletin About Protecting Workers Against Mold Exposure
Revised Recordkeeping Forms Available Online
FDA Clears Two West Nile Virus Diagnostic Tests
Universal Protocol to Prevent Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, and Wrong Patient Surgeries

2002

Volume VI, Number 1 - January-February 2002

An Easy Method to Disinfect Patient Privacy Curtains

ALERT, ALERT! OSHA's New Recordkeeping Regulation Revision Effective January 1

Fish Tanks in Hospitals

Volume VI, Number 2 - March-April 2002

Contamination on Packaged Disposable Items Stored in Rooms of Patients on Contact Precautions
Chlorine Dioxide Disinfection System for Water
Dr. Engel Named NC Communicable Disease Branch Head

Artificial Fingernails and Extenders - HICPAC Restrictions

Volume VI, Number 3 - May-June 2002

Comparative Efficacy of Hand Hygiene Products in the Reduction of Bacteria and Viruses from the Hands

Proposed Changes to NC Health Rules

Management of Hepatitis B Vaccination Failures

Volume VI, Number 4 - July-August 2002

AORN Opposed to Home-Laundered Surgical Scrubs

OSHA Targets Nursing Facilities

Removal of Contaminated Needles from Blood Tube Holders/Phlebotomy Devices Prohibited

Volume VI, Number 5 - September-October 2002

Answers to Questions about Smallpox Vaccine Administration for Hospitals

What Happened to the Amended NC Sanitation Rules?

Probe Use in Surgical Procedures

Volume VI, Number 6 - November-December 2002

Chemical Terrorism Agents Wall Chart

New Communicable Disease Report Card

New DOT Rules on Packaging of Suction Canisters

2001

Volume V, Number 1

Improved Handwashing Compliance Reduces Nosocomial Infections

NC Division of Facility Services and Acute Care Hospitals
Needlestick Legislation Compliance
Department of Transportation Packaging Rules for Regulated Medical Waste

Medical Instruments Used on Patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Volume V, Number 2 - March-April 2001

West Nile Virus

Bioterrorism Planning

Retaining Surveillance Reports

Volume V, Number 3 - May-June 2001

New Assignments at North Carolina Public Health Department
Prevention and Control of Program Downsizing

Patient Safety JCAHO Regulations

Reagent Skin Test Reactions

Volume V, Number 4 - July-August 2001

Management of Occupational Exposure to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV

Small Hospitals Complying with New CDC Occupational Exposure Guidelines

Volume V, Number 5 - September-October 2001

Bioterrorism Wall Chart

Volume V, Number 6 - November-December 2001

Guideline for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
Draft Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

HICPAC Guidelines in Process of Revision

Refrigerator/Freezer Monitoring

2000

Volume IV, Number 1

Revised Bloodborne Pathogens Compliance Directive Issued

Tuberculosis in North Carolina: Epidemiology and New Therapy Guidelines - Part 2
North Carolina Ergonomics Rules in the News

Attaching Needleboxes to Walls

Volume IV, Number 2 - March-April 2000

Institute of Medicine (IOM) Report "To Err Is Human"
Active Hospital Infection Control Programs Lead to Reduced Infections

Age-Specific Competencies Not Required by JCAHO

Germs from Fingernails

Volume IV, Number 3 - May-June 2000

Ortho-phthalaldehyde: A New Chemical Sterilant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Diseases (CJD): Recommendations for Disinfection and Sterilization

New Tuberculosis Guidelines Issued by ATS and CDC

Hepatitis B Immunity

Volume IV, Number 4 - July-August 2000

FDA Issues New Regulations on Reuse of Medical Devices
AIA Guideline Revisions 2000

North Carolina TB Rules

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Volume IV, Number 5 - September - October 2000

Plant Engineering Must Work Closely with Infection Control
Lower Latex Content Linked to Higher Glove Leakage

Amended NC State Law Requires Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization in Long-Term Care Setting

More than One Method Used for Reprocessing Scopes

Volume IV, Number 6 - November-December 2000

Patient Attire in Ambulatory Surgery
Fabric-covered Furniture - a Reservoir for VRE

Needlestick Safety Prevention Act

Banked Breast Milk Given to the Wrong Baby

Grinchy Germs in Heelville

1999

Volume III, Number 1

Patient Injury from Flash Sterilized Instruments
The Effect of Blood on the Antiviral Activity of Disinfectants

NC Unveils Ergonomics Proposal

Laser Safety

Volume III, Number 2 - March-April 1999

Hand Protectant Demonstrates Clinical Benefits
MRSE/MRSA Isolation Precautions Update

JCAHO Survey Experience

Skin Prep Around Eyes

Volume III, Number 3 - May-June 1999

Chemical Indicator Tapes Present Health Hazard

Draft Ergonomics Standard Published
FDA Approves Lyme Disease Vaccine
OSHA Announces Plans to Combat Needlestick Injuries
New Blood Screening Test

Disinfecting Vaginal Ultrasound Probes

Volume III, Number 4 - July - August 1999

Bronchoscopes
Handwashing

Glutaraldehyde Use

Volume III, Number 5 - September - October 1999

Immunization of Healthcare Workers
Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocyst Infectivity by Disinfection and Sterilization Processes

JCAHO Random Unannounced Survey Policy Question of the Month Fans in Dietary Kitchens

Karen Hoffmann Receives Educator of the Year Award
Other Announcements

Volume III, Number 6 - November - December 1999

JCAHO and FDA Comment on Reuse of Single Use Items
Infection Control Measures That Reduce Transmission of VRE

Tuberculosis in North Carolina: Epidemiology and New Therapy Guidelines

Blood-Contaminated Medical Records

1998

Volume II, Number 1

Guidelines for Infection Control in Health Care Personnel - Draft
Water as a Reservoir of Nosocomial Pathogens

EPA Issues Complaint for Illegal Claims that Pesticide Product Protects Children from Bacterial Infections

Disrupted Water Line and Infection Control

Volume II, Number 2 - March-April 1998

Use of Disinfectants in the Home
Progress Towards the Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus Transmission Among Healthcare Workers in the United States

OSHA and Hepatitis B Vaccination

Aerosolized Vancomycin Used to Decolonize MRSA

Volume II, Number 3 - May-June 1998

Levels of Contamination on Surgical Instruments After Cleaning
FDA Approves New Sterilants

New CDC Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Health-Care Worker Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

HIV Post-Exposure Follow-up Requirements

Volume II, Number 4 - July-August 1998

CDC Surgical Site Infections Draft Guideline
Definition for Multiply-Resistant Organisms

Reprocessing, Refurbishing, and Remarketing Medical Devices

Volume II, Number 5 - September-October 1998

Pet Therapy
Review of New Chemical Sterilants Used for High-Level Disinfection

Changes in the Rules Governing the Control of Communicable Diseases

TB Skin Testing/Anergy Testing

Volume II, Number 6 - November-December 1998

Managing Latex Allergy
Pertussis

Clarification of Needlestick Legislation

Hand Soaps and Lotions Compatibility

1997

Number 1

Double Gloving
News and Announcements

Number 2 - March-April 1997

A Rapid EIA HIV Screening Test
News and Announcements

Number 3 - May-June 1997

SHEA News - Emerging Vancomycin-Resistance
OSHA Memo - EPA-Registered Disinfectants for HIV/HBV
News and Announcements

Number 4 - July-August 1997

The Latest From the MMWR
News and Announcements

Number 5 - September-October 1997

SICP Spreads Computer Virus
Notice of Final Rulemaking - Hospital/Medical/Infectious Waste Incinerators
News and Announcements

Number 6 - November-December 1997

Tuberculosis Proposed Rule
Ventilator Tubing Changes Extended to 14 Days
New Head of Federal OSHA Is Charles Jeffress of North Carolina
Question of the Month - Transmission of pathogens via space above a false ceiling
Courses for the Infection Control Professional
News and Announcements

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