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Listen "Isolation and Waste: Lessons from the Frontlines of Special Pathogen Preparedness"
Episode Synopsis
On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan of Emory University Hospital is joined by Jade Flinn from Johns Hopkins Hospital and waste management experts Ashley Perry from Daniels Health, and Alex Chapman and Cara Simaga from Stericycle. Together, they unpack the practical and regulatory challenges of managing “Category A” infectious waste generated during the care of patients with special pathogens like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever.
Drawing from real-world experience, including a recent Lassa fever case, the panel explores communication breakdowns, the complexities of regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of cross-functional preparedness. They clarify what qualifies as Category A waste, how it differs from routine medical waste, and the meticulous multi-step process required for safe containment, packaging, and disposal.
The discussion also highlights key takeaways from recent Joint Commission standards, the necessity of engaging waste vendors before an incident occurs, and actionable strategies to reduce risk—from the patient’s bedside to final disposal.
Packed with practical guidance and expert insight, this episode is a must-listen for infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and clinical teams aiming to stay ready, protect staff, and safeguard their communities.
Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].
Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.
Guests
Alex Chapman
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Stericycle
Jade Flinn, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN
Director of Operations, Special Pathogens Center, Biocontainment Unit
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Ashley Perry
Director, Hazardous Waste Services
Daniels Health
Cara Simaga, CHMM
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
Stericycle
Host
Jill Morgan, RN
Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA
Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Resources
Daniels Health:Ebola & Other Category A Infectious WasteDaniels Health:Ebola Packaging Kit Instructions (PDF)PHMSADOT:Planning Guidance for Handling Category A Solid WastePHMSADOT:DOT Special Permit 16279Stericycle:Ebola Waste PreparednessStericycle:
Drawing from real-world experience, including a recent Lassa fever case, the panel explores communication breakdowns, the complexities of regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of cross-functional preparedness. They clarify what qualifies as Category A waste, how it differs from routine medical waste, and the meticulous multi-step process required for safe containment, packaging, and disposal.
The discussion also highlights key takeaways from recent Joint Commission standards, the necessity of engaging waste vendors before an incident occurs, and actionable strategies to reduce risk—from the patient’s bedside to final disposal.
Packed with practical guidance and expert insight, this episode is a must-listen for infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and clinical teams aiming to stay ready, protect staff, and safeguard their communities.
Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].
Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.
Guests
Alex Chapman
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Stericycle
Jade Flinn, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN
Director of Operations, Special Pathogens Center, Biocontainment Unit
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Ashley Perry
Director, Hazardous Waste Services
Daniels Health
Cara Simaga, CHMM
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
Stericycle
Host
Jill Morgan, RN
Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA
Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
Resources
Daniels Health:Ebola & Other Category A Infectious WasteDaniels Health:Ebola Packaging Kit Instructions (PDF)PHMSADOT:Planning Guidance for Handling Category A Solid WastePHMSADOT:DOT Special Permit 16279Stericycle:Ebola Waste PreparednessStericycle:
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