Hepatitis B immunisation for employees at risk | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Best practice

Abstract:

The guidance summarises the BMA’s legal advice on the interpretation of the GMS, PMS and APMS Regulations and directions on administration of hepatitis B vaccination by GP’s, when requested for occupational health purposes. The guidance includes information on issues of: - · GP obligation versus employers occupational health department obligation · Professional duty of GP when patient is at risk · Fee issues · Blood tests – charges and who pays · Issuing certificates · Model letter to present to patients who request a hepatitis B vaccination for occupational health reasons The guidance explains the different requirements under GMS regulation between offering consultation, physical examination for the purpose of identifying the need for treatment or further investigation and the making of such treatment including referral etc. The definition does not include taking over the employer’s duty under the Health & Safety Legislation to assess whether the provision of hepatitis B is necessary. This guidance has implications for healthcare workers whose NHS and Independent Sector employers do not at present vaccinate under their occupational health policy. E.g. Student nurses, medical students, healthcare assistants in care homes etc.

Authors:

British Medical Association (BMA) – General Practitioners Committee (GPC)

Link:

https://www.sslmc.co.uk/PDFs/HepB.pdf

Category:

Management

Prevention

Expert Review

Expert reviews are submitted by our readers. They help other professionals decide whether the research findings reported in this resource are robust and applicable to their daily patient/client care decisions and working environment. If you would like to help, visit our Contribute page.

Summary:

The guidance summarises the BMA’s legal advice on the interpretation of the GMS, PMS and APMS Regulations and directions on administration of hepatitis B vaccination by GP’s, when requested for occupational health purposes.The guidance includes information on issues of: -· GP obligation versus employers occupational health department obligation· Professional duty of GP when patient is at risk· Fee issues· Blood tests – charges and who pays· Issuing certificates· Model letter to present to patients who request a hepatitis B vaccination for occupational health reasonsThe guidance explains the different requirements under GMS regulation between offering consultation, physical examination for the purpose of identifying the need for treatment or further investigation and the making of such treatment including referral etc. The definition does not include taking over the employer’s duty under the Health & Safety Legislation to assess whether the provision of hepatitis B is necessary. This guidance has implications for healthcare workers whose NHS and Independent Sector employers do not at present vaccinate under their occupational health policy. E.g. Student nurses, medical students, healthcare assistants in care homes etc.

Questions Addressed:

Legal issues for GP’s when requested to administer Hepatitis B vaccinations for occupational health purposes

Type of Study:

Care guideline

Methods Valid:

Yes

Methods Valid Detail:

Evidence not sited other than reference to the NHS General Medical Services Contracts, the NHS Personal Medical Services Contracts and The NHS Act 1977 Alternative provider Medical Services Directions 2005

Results Reliability:

Yes

Problems or Biases:

This guidance has implications for healthcare workers whose NHS and Independent Sector employers do not at present vaccinate under their occupational health policy. E.g. Student nurses, medical students, healthcare assistants in care homes etc. At present has not been widely circulated nor are the regulations fully understood by either GP’s or the staff who may potentially be at risk of contracting hepatitis B in an occupational setting

Relevant Studies:

1. The NHS General Medical Services Contracts, http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20040291.htm 2. The NHS Personal Medical Services Contracts http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20040627.htm

Keywords:

Hepatitis B immunisation GMS/PMS and APMS Regulations healthcare staff at risk employees

Reviewer Name:

Sue Wiseman

Reviewer Post:

Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH

Reviewer Affiliations:

Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association