It was less than three years ago that public health officials were alarmed by the deaths of residents of a Wayne County assisted living facility. Finally, they found it was because of tainted instruments used to take measurements from residents with diabetes. The "finger stick" devices were used on more than one person, inviting the passing on of infection. In Wayne County the infection was hepatitis.
A good state law, which goes into effect this month, will require those workers in assisted living facilities who deal with these sort of issues to be thoroughly trained. Assisted living refers to places where residents receive some help with care, but are not as intensely watched as those in nursing homes.
The guidelines, particularly the one directing people not to reuse finger stick devices, ought to be common sense. Sadly, bad judgments were made and tragedy resulted. The new law should ensure mistakes do not happen again.
