Commissioner's Directive

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Policy number and title:

PROTOCOL 821-1 - POST-EXPOSURE PROTOCOL (PEP) FOR MANAGING SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO BLOOD AND/OR BODY FLUIDS

Why was the policy changed?

To affirm the current public health definition of what constitutes a significant exposure to human blood and/or body fluids.

To clearly outline the various tasks and responsibilities of staff to protect the health and safety of staff and inmates/offenders who may have had a significant exposure to blood and/or body fluids.

To affirm that injured staff will receive the necessary medical treatment at no cost to themselves.

What has changed?

The title of Protocol 821-1 - Managing Exposure to Blood and/or Body Fluids has been changed to Protocol 821-1 - Post-Exposure Protocol (PEP) for Managing Significant Exposure to Blood and/or Body Fluids.

The objective has been amended to more clearly identify the protection of the health of staff and inmates/offenders related to a significant exposure to human blood and/or body fluids.

The Authorities section has been amended to include the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Government Employees Compensation Act.

A section on Cross-References has been added.

Commissioner's Directive 821 - Management of Infectious Diseases was also amended to include reference to the revised Protocol.

How was it developed?

Protocol 821-1 was developed in collaboration with the Human Resource Management Sector, Labour Relations Directorate, Workforce Wellbeing Division; Public Health Branch; Correctional Operations; Regional Directors, Health Services; Legal Services; Strategic Policy Division; Linguistic Services; Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate; Women Offender Sector.

Accountabilities?

The accountability of the Officer-in-Charge has been amended to clarify his or her role in the process of the Post-Exposure Protocol.

Who will be affected by the policy?

All staff and inmates/offenders involved in a significant exposure to human blood and/or body fluids.

Expected cost?

There are no anticipated additional costs associated with these amendments.

Other impacts?

None.

Contact:

• Yvette Petersen
• National Advisor, OHS & Return to Work
• 613-995-2558
• yvette.petersen@csc-scc.gc.ca