Policy Text
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Disease Control
The purpose of this General Order is to establish policy and guidelines to ensure that
department personnel are aware of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC )
recommended safety precautions when coming into contact with high risk individuals
suspected o f having a communicable disease. A dditionally, it establish es requirements
if a suspected exposure takes place.
I. General
A. The Sheriff has specific responsibility for the health and safety of the
employees and inmates under his supervision. The Sheriff recognize s
that employees routinely co me in contact with high risk individuals who
may h ave communicable diseases such as hepatitis B and C, human
immuno deficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS ). Additionally , it is recognized that correctional institutions a re
unique, given the densely populated environment which make them a
favorable breeding ground for the transmission of communicable
diseases.
B. The increased prevalence of communicable diseases has raised concerns
among civilian and law enforcement employees . For this reason , it is the
policy of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office to take precautions when
there is any possibility of contamination or exposure to bodily fluids . The
CDC recommends this approach for disease control because medical
history and examination cannot reliably identify all subjects who are
infected with blood diseases. This universal precaution requires that as a
minimum, latex gloves be worn when touching blood and other bodily
fluids, mucous membranes, or non -intact skin and for handling items or
surfaces soiled with blood or bodily fluids. When common sense,
necessary safety procedures , and protective equipment are utilized ,
infectious diseases pose a minimal risk to department employees.
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C. The infectious disease equipment and procedures a re for the protection of
all personnel and to minimize risks associated with contact with blood and
other bodily fluids when handling high risk individuals. It is not the intent
to require “ extreme measures” for every situation. Application of the policy
to daily operations should be done with common sense and responsible
decision making and based on the needs of each case encountered.
D. The victims of communicable diseases have rights to confidentiality ; and
all employees shall be sensitive to these issues, treating all victims
professionally and honoring their rights.
II. Potentially Infectious Disease Exposure Procedures
A. The California Department of Health defines a “direct or significant
exposure ” as any under the skin or mucous membrane contact with
secretions of the bod y, including blows (e.g., mouth to mouth
resuscitation, blood splash in the eyes or accidental needle stick, etc.). A
“casual exposure ” is defined as being in the area of a patient with an
infectious disease, but not having received direct contamination as
described above.
1. When a suspected exposure occurs, and the victim of the
contamination is tran sported for medical treatment, the officer or his
supervisor will notify staff at the receiving hospital so that the
officer’s name can be entered into the infection control log.
Hospitals are required by law to provide an infection control log and
inform pre -hospital personnel of signific ant exposure .
2. In all cases where a significant exposure takes place, the
employee’s immediate supervisor will ensure that an employee
report of injury form ( OSHA) is completed and forwarded to
Department Records. Subsequent disability claims may depend
upon this reporting.
3. If a needle stick or other direct blood -to-blood contamination
occur s, the employee shall immediately notify his or her direct
supervisor. The supervisor will then direct the employee to
medical staff for evaluation and recommended treatment.
4. The Division Commander will ensure that all personnel operate
under the “Infectious Disease Guidelines” as provided in Division
Operational Orders, training bulletins, etc.
B. Source Contact Testing
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1. If the source of the contamination voluntarily agrees to submit to a
medical evaluation or HIV antibody testing , the reporting officer
shall contact his immediate supervisor, who shall make
arrangements for t he examination or medical assessment . The
preceding shall only be conducted if the source of the contact signs
a form or designated Waiver of Confidentiality and Responsibility
prepared by Legal A ffairs .
2. Section 7510 of the Penal Code permits law enforcement officers to
request HIV or hepatitis B and C testing of the inmate, arrestee,
detainee or other person in custody, through the Chief Medical
Officer of the county. Officers shall report the incident through the
completion of a form provided by the State Department of Health
Services. The Chief Medical Officer is required to decide on testing
within twenty -four (24) hours of receipt of the report.
3. Health and Safety section 121055 authorizes victims of any eight
specified and charged sex crimes (Penal Code 261, 261.5, 262,
266b, 266c, 286, 288 and former section 288a ) to make a written
request to the courts to mandate the testing of defendant’s blood
for HIV and other communica ble diseases.
a. The following additional sections should be referred to by
department personnel if they suspect they have been exposed
to the virus: 1524.1 PC and 121060