OH HB284

Enacts section 3701.035 of the Revised Code requiring the Ohio Department of Health to establish educational materials and guidelines on hand hygiene for patients and residents of health care facilities.

Applies to hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, and any other health care facilities the director of health designates.

Requires educational materials to be designed for accessibility, including different versions for various language groups and individuals with functional/sensory limitations, written at a fourth-grade reading level, and in visible fonts.

Mandates health care facilities provide patients and residents with educational materials, hand-hygiene products, hand-washing facilities, and staff assistance for those unable to perform hygiene procedures independently at specified times (meal times, entering/exiting care areas, before/after touching wounds or medical devices, after coughing/sneezing, and after urination/bowel movements).

Exempts facilities from requirements for incapacitated patients and patients at the time of initial emergency department admission; directs the director of health to adopt implementing rules under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code.