(This communication contains further explanation of items that require special handling for disposal.)
UC Davis Medical Center takes its commitment to our patients' and communities' health and safety very seriously.
As you may be aware, state and local government entities have recently shown increased interest in hospitals and other medical facilities’ management practices with respect to medical waste, hazardous waste and protected health information, including the potential unlawful disposal of biohazardous and pathological medical waste, pharmaceutical drugs, sharps, hazardous/universal waste, and documents and other materials revealing protected health information.
UC Davis Health has been and will continue to be proactive in ensuring that our facilities are in compliance with all applicable laws and policies. As part of this effort, I ask that you please ensure that all applicable staff is trained in waste disposal practices and that all waste disposal policies and procedures are reviewed and closely followed. In particular, the following must not be disposed of in the regular trash: biohazardous and pathological medical waste, either prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, sharps, hazardous/universal waste, and documents and other materials revealing protected health information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Environmental Health & Safety Director Kaila Benton-Vitz.
Sincerely,
Michael Condrin Chief Administrator, UC Davis Medical Center Chief Operating Officer, UC Davis Health
