43-46A-1. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the term:

‘‘Pathogen’’ means a microorganism, including bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, and parasites, or other agent, such as a proteinaceous infectious particle or prion, that can cause disease in humans.#

‘‘Potentially infectious material’’ means material known or reasonably expected to contain a pathogen.#

‘‘Regulated biomedical waste’’ means and includes the following:#

1. (A)

   Biological waste, which includes blood and blood products, exudates, secretions, suctionings, and other body fluids which contain free liquids and cannot be or are not directly discarded into a municipal sewer system;#

2. (B)

   Pathological waste, which includes all recognizable human tissues and body parts except teeth; and#

3. (C)

   Sharps, which include any discarded article that may cause punctures or cuts, including, but not limited to, items such as needles, IV tubing and syringes with needles attached, and scalpel blades.#

‘‘Trauma scene’’ means a location soiled by or contaminated with potentially infectious material or regulated biomedical waste due to the occurrence of a homicide or suicide, or the occurrence of a death of a human being in which there is advanced decomposition of the body; provided, however, that this term shall not include the scene of a motor vehicle accident or locations which are subject to the laws and regulations of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.#

‘‘Trauma scene waste’’ means potentially infectious material or regulated biomedical waste that has been removed, is to be removed, or is in the process of being removed from a trauma scene.#

‘‘Trauma scene waste management practitioner’’ means the owner of any interest in a commercial enterprise for the cleanup or removal of trauma scene waste and who is registered with the Secretary of State pursuant to this chapter.#