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246.71 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

For purposes of sections 246.71 to 246.722, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Blood-borne pathogens.

"Blood-borne pathogens" means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include but are not limited to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Subd. 3.Patient.

"Patient" means any person who is receiving treatment from or committed to a state-operated treatment program, including the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.

Subd. 4.Employee of a state-operated treatment program or employee.

"Employee of a state-operated treatment program " or "employee" means an employee of any state-operated treatment program.

Subd. 5.State-operated treatment program.

"State-operated treatment program" means any state-operated treatment program under the jurisdiction of the executive board, including the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, community behavioral health hospitals, crisis centers, residential facilities, outpatient services, and other community-based services under the executive board's control.

Subd. 6.Significant exposure.

"Significant exposure" means contact likely to transmit a blood-borne pathogen, in a manner supported by the most current guidelines and recommendations of the United States Public Health Service at the time an evaluation takes place, that includes:

(1) percutaneous injury, contact of mucous membrane or nonintact skin, or prolonged contact of intact skin; and

(2) contact, in a manner that may transmit a blood-borne pathogen, with blood, tissue, or potentially infectious body fluids.

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes