Sec. 1. 22 MRSA c. 250, sub-c. V is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER V

HEALTH CARE WORKER PROTECTION

§841.__Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Needleless system.__"Needleless system" means a device that does not utilize needles for:

A.__The withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is established;

B.__The administration of medication or fluids; or

C.__Any other procedure involving the potential for an exposure incident.

2.__Public employee.__"Public employee" means an employee of the State or a local governmental unit or an employee of an agency of the State or a local governmental unit employed in a public or private health care facility, home health care organization or other facility providing health care related services.

3.__Sharp object.__"Sharp object" means any object used or encountered in a health care setting that may be reasonably anticipated to penetrate the skin or any other part of the body and to result in an exposure incident, including, but not limited to, a needle device, scalpel, lancet, broken capillary tube, exposed end of dental wire, dental knife, dental drill, dental bur and broken glass.

4.__Sharp object injury.__"Sharp object injury" means any injury caused by a sharp object, including, but not limited to, cuts, abrasions, needle punctures and human bites.

5.__Sharp object injury log.__"Sharp object injury log" means a written or electronic record of exposure incidents.

6.__Sharp object protection.__"Sharp object protection" means:

A.__A physical attribute built into a needle device used for