Use of hand sanitizers - California DOH

[Guest guest]

This is for California practitioners in LTC. There is a DOHS letter from years

ago that outlines their policy on using hand sanitizers in the SNF kitchens

under the Title 22 regulations. Specifically it states that the only acceptable

method to sanitize hands is to use hot water and soap and follow the hand

washing procedure. I cannot find the DOH letter sent to all nursing home

administrator and operators because it is so old. Recently some of my facilities

have been installing these hand sanitizers because nursing can use them, and

they're being installed in the nursing stations, lobbies, etc. I do not want

them in the kitchens bc I know what trouble they'll us to,but without that

document I cannot really enforce my opinion.

If you have access to the old letter, or a link to the site where I can find

anything about hand sanitizers (I've just spent an hour and can't find anything

on-line, but my searching ability leaves alot to be desired), I will appreciate

it. If an attachment does not go through to this page, please email to me at

dignacassens@.... At the same time, if you have more recent information

and the hand sanitizers can be used, please send me the information so that I

can change the policy.

Thanks for your help!

Digna Cassens, MHA, RD

http://groups.msn.com/RDForum

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are

doing the impossible. St. Francis Assis