Isolation and Waste: Lessons from the Frontlines of Special Pathogen Preparedness

Transmission Interrupted

On this episode of Transmission Interrupted, host Jill Morgan of Emory University Hospital is joined by Jade Flinn from Johns Hopkins Hospital and waste management experts Ashley Perry from Daniels Health, and Alex Chapman and Cara Simaga from Stericycle. Together, they unpack the practical and regulatory challenges of managing “Category A” infectious waste generated during the care of patients with special pathogens like Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever.

Drawing from real-world experience, including a recent Lassa fever case, the panel explores communication breakdowns, the complexities of regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of cross-functional preparedness. They clarify what qualifies as Category A waste, how it differs from routine medical waste, and the meticulous multi-step process required for safe containment, packaging, and disposal.

The discussion also highlights key takeaways from recent Joint Commission standards, the necessity of engaging waste vendors before an incident occurs, and actionable strategies to reduce risk—from the patient’s bedside to final disposal.

Packed with practical guidance and expert insight, this episode is a must-listen for infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and clinical teams aiming to stay ready, protect staff, and safeguard their communities.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

Guests

Alex Chapman

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Stericycle

Jade Flinn, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNRN

Director of Operations, Special Pathogens Center, Biocontainment Unit

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Ashley Perry

Director, Hazardous Waste Services

Daniels Health

Cara Simaga, CHMM

Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs

Stericycle

Host

Jill Morgan, RN

Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA

Jill Morgan is a registered nurse and a subject matter expert in personal protective equipment (PPE) for NETEC. For 35 years, Jill has been an emergency department and critical care nurse, and now splits her time between education for NETEC and clinical research, most of it centering around infection prevention and personal protective equipment. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), ASTM International, and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Resources

• Daniels Health: Ebola & Other Category A Infectious Waste
• Daniels Health: Ebola Packaging Kit Instructions (PDF)
• PHMSADOT: Planning Guidance for Handling Category A Solid Waste
• PHMSADOT: DOT Special Permit 16279
• Stericycle: Ebola Waste Preparedness
• Stericycle: Ebola Waste Management Requirements & Packaging Procedures (PDF)
• NETEC: Category A Waste and Healthcare Facility Questions to Ask Your Waste Vendor
• NETEC: Handle with Care: Special Pathogen Waste Management (Webinar)
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org

About NETEC

A Partnership for Preparedness

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

NETEC Consultation Services

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.

About This Episode

This episode of Transmission Interrupted, a NETEC podcast, was recorded April 10th, 2025. Produced and edited by Benjamin Mattson. Additional support provided by Britton Clark, Veronica Lavarro, Jason Noble, and Lisa Stone.

Special thanks to our guests and the subject matter experts at NETEC for their insight and guidance.

This podcast is supported by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

For more information, tools, and training on special pathogen preparedness, visit netec.org. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in to Transmission Interrupted.