PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to wearable equipment that is intended to protect HCPs from exposure to or contact with infectious agents.
The selection of PPE is based on the nature of the patient interaction and the potential for exposure to blood, body fluids or infectious agents. PPE is to be worn under the following circumstances:
Gloves are to be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that contact with blood or other potentially infectious material could occur. If gloves are selected to be worn:
A. Wear gloves with fit and durability appropriate to the task (typically this will be medical examination gloves)
B. Remove gloves after contact with the patient or the surrounding environment.
A. Change gloves during patient care if your hands move from a contaminated to a clean body site.
B. Dispose of gloves after single use (do not wash or reuse)
Gowns are to be worn to protect skin and prevent soiling or contamination of clothing when patient care activities are expected to result in contact with blood, body fluids, secretions or excretion. Gowns should also be worn when a patient has uncontained secretions or excretions. When wearing a gown:
A. Remove the gown and perform hand hygiene before leaving the patient environment.
B. Do not reuse gowns, even for repeat contact with the same patient.
Use PPE to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during procedures and patient-care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions. Select masks, goggles, face shields, and combinations of each according to the need anticipated by the task performed. Respiratory protection should also be worn when there is a known infectious disease e.g., M. tuberculosis, SARS, or hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Note:
LifeCare considers the occupational exposure risk for our staff to be low and does not anticipate that routine patient care will require the use of Personal Protective Equipment except for gloves. Personal Protective Equipment is maintained in the clinic for therapist use in the event of anticipated or actual exposure.
If a therapist feels at risk of exposure during patient care at an off-site location, please contact our office to discuss the patient's case and implement necessary preventive measures. In an emergency, know that the safety of our staff is paramount, and therapists are not expected nor advised to place themselves at personal risk.
Introduction
LifeCare Therapy Services, as an outpatient rehabilitation provider in Broward County, Florida, delivers physical, occupational, and speech therapy in both clinic and home-based settings. This program integrates OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training with CDC-based Standard Precautions, tailored to the unique challenges of outpatient and home-based therapy. Our policies and the associated training address regulatory requirements, infection transmission, practical application scenarios, and documentation, ensuring that all staff are equipped to protect themselves and their patients across diverse environments.
Regulatory Context
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies to all persons with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), including therapists providing direct patient care in both clinic and home settings. Key definitions include:
Bloodborne Pathogens: Microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease (e.g., HBV, HCV, HIV).
Occupational Exposure: Anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or OPIM.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specialized clothing or equipment for protection against hazards.
Engineering Controls: Devices that isolate or remove hazards (e.g., sharps containers, needleless systems).
Work Practice Controls: Procedures that reduce exposure risk by altering how tasks are performed (e.g., no recapping of needles).
Employers must establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP), provide initial and annual training, offer Hepatitis B vaccination, and ensure post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.
CDC Standard Precautions and Outpatient Guidance
CDC’s Standard Precautions are the minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status, in any healthcare setting—including outpatient clinics and home care. These include:
•Hand hygiene
•Use of PPE based on anticipated exposure
•Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
•Safe injection practices
•Environmental cleaning and disinfection
•Safe handling of laundry and waste
CDC’s Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings outlines the minimum expectations for safe care, emphasizing the importance of consistent application across all therapy environments.