Section 81.301 - Definitions In this subchapter:
(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.Tex. Health and Safety Code § 81.301
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1411, Sec. 26.01, eff. 9/1/1999.