POLICY BULLETIN

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COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 821 - MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES, AND
GUIDELINES 821-2 - BLEACH DISTRIBUTION

What is new/changed?

CD 821 has been extensively revised to bring it up to date with current practice and program elements, which have been evolving as CSC's resources have expanded and as new community treatment and program approaches have been introduced. It provides comprehensive policy direction on the management of infectious diseases in a correctional environment, reflects public health principles and incorporates a full range of infectious diseases program elements.

CD 821 is also an umbrella or parent document for related infectious disease issues that require specific procedural direction, namely:

• Protocol 821-1 - Managing Exposure to Blood and/or Body Fluids (published 2004-03-24); and
• Guidelines 821-2 - Bleach Distribution.

Why was the policy developed?

This policy was developed in order to reflect the currently recognized practices for the comprehensive management of infectious diseases in a correctional environment and to provide visibility for related policy directives.

What is the purpose of the change?

The new Directive provides direction to staff and inmates which will assist in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

How was it developed?

The Directive was developed with the assistance and cooperation of the Regional Infectious Disease Coordinators and NHQ Human Resource Management Sector, Workforce Wellbeing Division. All three unions (PIPS, UCCO, and USGE) have been consulted and have had an opportunity to provide input via the National Infectious Diseases Steering Committee, the Labour Management Committee and the National Joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee.

Accountability?

Accountability for various aspects of the policy and Guidelines rests with Regional Deputy Commissioners, the Director General of Health Services, Institutional Heads, and Chiefs of Health Services.

It is important to note that infectious disease issues/programs intended for CSC staff (e.g. education, training and post-exposure follow-ups) come under the umbrella of Workforce Wellbeing and as such are the responsibility of the employer. The needs of the offender client group are addressed from the Health Services perspective.

Who will be affected by the policy?

Every staff member is a stakeholder in CSC's efforts to maintain infection control measures and to assist and support inmates who must cope with diseases. Every inmate is a member of a community which must be given the information on infectious diseases so that responsible decisions can be made to protect his or her health and that of others.

Expected cost?

Savings could be realized in future health-related costs due to the potential reduction in the burden of illness resulting from infectious diseases.

Other impacts?

A potential reduction in the transmission of diseases for inmates and staff.

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