PATIENT EDUCATION

HHS partners with WebMD

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiated a 9-month pilot project with WebMD Health. The HHS's intent is to present the organization's consumer health information in a way that's easily accessible to the public, via an HHS "channel" on WebMD. The Web site is located at http://www.hhs.webmd.com.

INFECTION CONTROL

APIC applauds amendment

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) announced it approves of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) decision to allow alcohol-based hand cleaning solutions in corridors, suites, and patient rooms in healthcare facilities.

APIC officials believe the amendment to the NFPA's Life Safety Code will increase hand hygiene compliance in healthcare workers. Dispensers must be installed as follows:

[white diamond suit]The corridor width must be 6 feet or greater, and dispensers must be at least 4 feet apart.

[white diamond suit]Dispensers must have a maximum individual fluid capacity of 1.2 liters for those located in rooms, corridors, and areas open to corridors, and 2 liters for dispensers in suites of rooms.

[white diamond suit]Dispensers must not reside over or be directly adjacent to electrical outlets and switches.

[white diamond suit]In locations with carpeted floors, dispensers installed directly over carpeted surfaces are permitted only in sprinklered smoke compartments. Each smoke compartment may contain a maximum aggregate of 10 gallons of alcohol-based handrub solution in dispensers and a maximum of 5 gallons in storage.

Before changes are implemented, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services must officially adopt the amendment.

Source: APIC: "APIC Congratulates National Fire Protection Association on Alcohol-Based Handrub Amendment Announcement," press release. May 6, 2004.