Why have changes been made to the NYS Infection Control Training Syllabus?
• Investigations of incidences of infection with bloodborne pathogens conducted by the NYSDOH have revealed lapses in infection control practices that may have placed people at risk for disease. In some cases, disease transmission has been documented. • In response to these investigations, Governor Paterson signed the Patient Safety Bill into Law on August 5, 2008. This law stipulates that on or before September 1, 2008, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) including the Patient Safety Center in consultation with the State Council on Graduate medical Education: “…review and revise the content of the coursework or training in infection control practices as necessary to ensure that such content: (i) reflects the current infection control practices and standards accepted and promoted by the medical and scientific communities; (ii) focuses particular attention on instruction in standards of practice for which compliance is suboptimal based on the department’s experience; and (i
Investigations of incidences of infection with bloodborne pathogens conducted by the Department have revealed lapses in infection control practices that may have placed people at risk for disease. In some cases, disease transmission has been documented. In response to these investigations, the new law mandates numerous changes to the Infection Control Training required of all health care professionals practicing in New York State. Effective September 1, 2008, the Department, in consultation with the State Council on Graduate Medical Education, must update the Infection Control Training Syllabus to: reflect current practice and standards, focus particular attention on instruction in standards of practice for which compliance is suboptimal based on the Department’s experience, and emphasize the application of infection control standards and practices in outpatient and ambulatory settings.
