10A NCAC 27H .0303      CURRENT RESIDENTS AND EMPLOYEES

(a)  In accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, even if no resident tests positive for hepatitis B, all current group home employees (including part-time and temporary employees) who provide direct care to clients shall be:

(1)           screened for the presence of the hepatitis B virus; and

(2)           offered hepatitis B vaccine, at employer expense.

(b)  All group home residents shall be screened for the presence of the hepatitis B virus.

(c)  If the screening indicates any resident or employee is a hepatitis B carrier, the following procedures shall be followed:

(1)           Current residents and direct care employees without antibodies (who are not immune) shall be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine as required by 10A NCAC 41A .0203(b)(2).

(2)           Written informed consent or refusal to be vaccinated shall be obtained from the resident (or guardian) and documented in the resident's record.

(3)           Written informed consent or refusal to be vaccinated shall be obtained from the employee and shall be documented in the employee's personnel record.

(4)           The hepatitis B vaccination series shall be started within 10 working days following receipt of the screening results for non‑immune current residents and direct care employees.

(5)           During the three‑dose, six‑month immunization process, if a non‑immune resident or employee is exposed to the blood or other potentially infectious body fluids of a hepatitis B carrier, the procedure as outlined in 10A NCAC 41A .0203 CONTROL MEASURES-HEPATITIS B shall be followed.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. November 1, 1985;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1993;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. March 26, 2017.