Tex.
Health & Safety Code Section 81.301
Definitions
(1)
“Bloodborne pathogens” means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and that can cause diseases in humans. The term includes hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.(2)
“Engineered sharps injury protection” means:(A)
a physical attribute that is built into a needle device used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing a vein or artery, or administering medications or other fluids and that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident by a mechanism such as barrier creation, blunting, encapsulation, withdrawal, retraction, destruction, or another effective mechanism; or(B)
a physical attribute built into any other type of needle device, into a nonneedle sharp, or into a nonneedle infusion safety securement device that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident.(3)
“Governmental unit” means:(A)
this state and any agency of the state, including a department, bureau, board, commission, or office;(B)
a political subdivision of this state, including any municipality, county, or special district; and(C)
any other institution of government, including an institution of higher education.(4)
“Needleless system” means a device that does not use a needle and that is used:(A)
to withdraw body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established;(B)
to administer medication or fluids; or(C)
for any other procedure involving the potential for an exposure incident.(5)
“Sharp” means an object used or encountered in a health care setting that can be reasonably anticipated to penetrate the skin or any other part of the body and to result in an exposure incident, including a needle device, a scalpel, a lancet, a piece of broken glass, a broken capillary tube, an exposed end of a dental wire, or a dental knife, drill, or bur.(6)
“Sharps injury” means any injury caused by a sharp, including a cut, abrasion, or needlestick.
Source:
Section 81.301 — Definitions, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.81.htm#81.301 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
