George B. Breen, Chair of the firm's National Health Care and Life Sciences Practice Steering Committee, in the Washington, DC, office, was quoted in Healthcare Risk Management, in “CNE Questions.”
Following is an excerpt (see below for a PDF of the full article):
- According to George B. Breen, JD, with Epstein Becker Green, how does EMTALA apply when treating potential Ebola patients?
Because of the highly infectious nature, Ebola patients might not be transferred to another hospital. EMTALA requirements for stabilization are waived because the staff might be unable to care for the patient without infecting themselves or others. EMTALA requirements for stabilization before transfer still apply, even to Ebola patients.
- What is one requirement under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard (1910.1030), which provides guidance for employees at risk of coming into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials?
Hospitals must establish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to minimize employee exposure to the virus that meets the requirements of the standard, including identifying at-risk employees and job functions. Hospitals must designate a specific room for the donning and removal of protective gear.
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