MRSA Legislation Could Require Screening
from The Press of Atlantic City
 New legislation recently introduced in Congress could require hospitals to screen patients for MRSA infections in order to prevent the spread of infection and protect healthcare workers, according to The Press of Atlantic City.
HR 2937, sponsored by Rep. Jackie Speier, D-CA, and S 1305, the bill proposed in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, requires hospitals to submit MRSA rates to the public, as well. In the Worker Infection Protection Act, hospitals initially would be required to screen all patients admitted to high risk areas such as the ICU. By 2014 the bill would require hospitals to screen all incoming patients.
The bill would also create a new OSHA standard to protect healthcare workers and first responders, according to PolitickerNJ.com. 
Tough Questions About Disinfectants Answered
from Cleaning and Maintenance Management
In an era of H1N1 (swine flu), MRSA and other contagious illnesses that can be transmitted environmentally, and directly or indirectly by surfaces, disinfectants clearly have a place in our clean-for-health toolbox. Still, the use of disinfectants presents several pressing questions, such as: Since these products are pesticides, are they just too toxic to use routinely? Do disinfectants cause antibiotic resistance? What about the recent report from the Society for General Microbiology stating that disinfectants can make bacteria resistant to treatment? More
OSHA Fines for Pandemic Lapse Possible
from Facility Care
OSHA may come calling for lack of pandemic protection for hospital workers. More
Why H1N1 Flu Spreads Inefficiently
from Science Daily
A team from MIT and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found a genetic explanation for why the new H1N1 "swine flu" virus has spread from person to person less effectively than other flu viruses. More
ASHES Announces Online Environmental Services Director Course
from ASHES
ASHES is pleased to add the Online ES Director Course to the catalogue of ASHES online education. This online course is designed as a self-directed educational program for new, seasoned or aspiring healthcare environmental services directors or managers seeking to play a role in the AHA Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence (HPOE) as it relates to environmental services. The first course will begin Monday, July 27, 2009. Click here to register and view the course syllabus.
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Product Showcase: QUICK-DRAIN™ by Bemis
 Quick-Drain™ provides safe and cost-effective disposal of liquid infectious waste. Fluid goes into the sanitary sewer at a rate of 500cc per second saving staff time. Saves money by reducing red bag waste and eliminating per-use disposal costs such as solidifiers. Connects to existing plumbing and requires no electricity. More info
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Hospital Employment Climbs in June
from AHA News Now
Employment at the nation's hospitals rose in June to a seasonally adjusted 4,723,100 people, the Bureau of Labor Statistics today. That's 3,700 more than in May and 89,100 more than a year ago.
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“Deep Cleaning” Reduces MRSA Threat
from Facility Care
A recent study found that deep cleaning intensive care units reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection among patients exposed to a prior occupant with MRSA by 2.4 percent.
The three-part deep cleaning process includes using a bucket immersion rather than bottle immersion for applying disinfectants to cleaning clothes, training environmental services staff to adapt new cleaning methods, and using UV lights to inspect potentially infected areas. The study was reported by United Press International and included evaluations of more than 13,000 hospital stays in 10 Boston intensive care units.
In another study of nursing homes, researchers confirmed that educating patients and staff about MRSA and improved cleaning processes are effective methods for combating the bacteria.
The study by Queen’s University in Belfast and Antrim Area Hospital found that one quarter of nursing home residents carry MRSA, according to Infection Control Today. According to the study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, in addition to one-in-four residents, 7 percent of nursing home workers were also carrying the bacteria.
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Product Showcase: The Activeion Pro
 The Simple Way to Clean. With a technology that is as good as or better than many cleaning chemicals, the Activeion Pro reduces the need for healthcare facilities to purchase, store, refill, and manage these toxic cleaning supplies, simplifying their processes and saving them money.
More info
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Pending pharma waste regulations
from Health Facilities Management
A handful of regulatory rulings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and some state environmental regulatory agencies could fundamentally affect how health care organizations handle their pharmaceutical waste. All have the potential to impact organizations that generate pharmaceutical waste because they carry environmental, operational and financial implications. Following are highlights of these regulations, how they relate and what their effects may be. It is not a comprehensive review and environmental services professionals are advised to study source materials from the agencies More
Healthcare Environmental Services and Housekeeping Week 2009 - September 13-19, 2009
from ASHES
With the theme, “Environmental Services: Partners in Infection Prevention” this week recognizes the importance of the people who work in environmental services and housekeeping departments and showcases their integral role in preventing the transmission of infection. Celebrate the important front line role of environmental services and housekeeping departments in keeping American’s hospitals clean and safe! Directors and manger are encouraged to show their support for staff and colleagues during this week set aside each year. Suppliers and manufacturers are encouraged to celebrate with their clients and customers. Royalties purchased from the ASHES Official ES Week Supplier on all ES Week products help support ASHES strategic activities.
For more information on how to purchase recognition week products from the ASHES preferred provider, visit www.ashes.org.
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