O7: Assessing Category A Waste in Outbreaks of High Consequence Infectious Diseases

Kansas City Convention Center 

Room: 3501 C 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

The management of Category A infectious substance waste (Cat-A) during the treatment of patients with high consequence infectious diseases (HCID) poses significant challenges for healthcare facilities in the United States. High costs and logistical difficulties associated with Cat-A waste management deter facilities from upgrading their capabilities. The current approach of holding Cat-A waste onsite for extended periods poses actual and perceived public health risks. A revised regulatory framework is essential to improve the U.S. healthcare system's ability to effectively respond to HCID outbreaks. The current federal regulations, 49 CFR Part 171, are outdated and do not adequately address the unique challenges posed by Cat-A waste. Revision of these regulations to better account for healthcare Cat-A waste is needed, including new categories or subcategories to differentiate between intentional and nonintentional healthcare generators.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the Category A regulations related to HCID response.
• Identify potential IH-related failure points with current Category A regulations.
• Leverage available resources to address Category A waste issues. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Consulting

Healthcare/Pharma

Transportation

Available as part of AIHA Connect OnDemand

Biosafety/Microbiology

Emergency/Incident Preparedness and Response

Health Care