16 Del. Admin. Code § 3365-8.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 3365-8.0 - Physical Environment

8.1 Laundry and Linens

8.1.1 An adequate supply of clean linen or disposable materials shall be maintained.

8.1.2 Clean linen shall be stored, handled and transported to prevent contamination.

8.1.3 Linens shall be maintained in good repair.

8.1.4 Soiled linen shall be handled, transported, stored and processed in a manner to prevent leakage and the spread of infection.

8.1.5 There shall be distinct areas for the storage and handling of clean and soiled linens.

8.1.6 Soiled linen not processed on a daily basis must be stored in a separate properly ventilated storage area.

8.1.7 Soiled linen must be removed from the birth room after each procedure.

8.1.8 Carts used to transport soiled linen must be constructed of impervious materials and must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

8.1.9 Laundry processed on-site:

8.1.9.1 The laundry processing area shall be arranged to allow for an orderly progressive flow of work from the soiled to the clean area.

8.1.9.2 The temperature of water during the washing process shall be controlled to provide a minimum temperature of 165&&° Fahrenheit for 25 minutes or 130&&° Fahrenheit if the soap/detergent supplier will verify that their products will work effectively at that lower temperature. A label indicating same shall be affixed to the laundry machine.

8.1.10 Laundry processed off-site:

8.1.10.1 The facility must have a contract with a commercial or hospital laundry.

8.1.10.2 Clean linens returned to the facility must be completely wrapped or covered to protect against contamination.

8.2 Sanitation and Housekeeping

8.2.1 The facility shall provide housekeeping services to maintain a clean, sanitary, safe environment which is free from odors.

8.2.2 Birth rooms shall be thoroughly cleaned after each use.

8.2.3 All cleaning materials, solutions, cleaning compounds and hazardous substances shall be:

8.2.3.1 Properly identified;

8.2.3.2 Stored in a safe place; and

8.2.3.3 Stored separate from care items and food.

8.2.4 Cleaning shall be performed in a manner which minimizes the spread of pathogenic organisms in the environment.

8.2.5 The facility shall be kept free of insects and rodents. A contract with a pest control agency shall be executed and available for review.

8.3 Waste Storage and Disposal

8.3.1 All rubbish and refuse containers shall be impervious, lined and clean.

8.3.2 All rubbish and refuse shall be collected, stored and disposed of in a manner designed to prevent transmission of disease.

8.3.3 All contaminated dressings, pathological or similar waste shall be properly disposed of.

8.3.4 All personnel must wash their hands immediately after handling rubbish or refuse.

8.4 Maintenance

8.4.1 The facility shall establish and implement a written program of preventive maintenance to ensure that all essential mechanical, electrical and patient care equipment is in safe operating condition.

8.4.2 Stairwells and corridors shall be kept free from obstruction at all times.

8.5 Safety

8.5.1 Fire safety:

8.5.1.1 The facility shall comply with the rules and regulations of the State Fire Prevention Commission.

8.5.1.2 The facility must be inspected annually by the fire marshal having jurisdiction and all applications for license (new and renewal) must include a letter certifying compliance by the fire marshal having jurisdiction.

8.5.1.3 Notification of non-compliance with the rules and regulations of the State Fire Prevention Commission shall be grounds for licensure action.

8.5.1.4 A simulated fire drill shall be performed every quarter on each work shift.

8.5.1.4.1 A written record of each fire drill shall be kept on file at the facility.

8.5.1.4.2 The written record must include the following:

8.5.1.4.2.1 Date and time of the drill;

8.5.1.4.2.2 Description of the simulated emergency fire condition;

8.5.1.4.2.3 Signatures and titles of those participating in the drill;

8.5.1.4.2.4 Duration of the drill; and,

8.5.1.4.2.5 Evaluation of the drill.

8.5.2 Facility safety:

8.5.2.1 The facility shall make provisions for the reporting and investigation of and corrective action for accidental events regarding patients, visitors and personnel.

8.5.2.2 Needles and syringes shall be disposed of appropriately.

8.5.2.3 Every bathroom door lock shall be designed to permit the opening of the locked door from the outside in an emergency.

8.5.2.4 Each birthing room shall have a nurse call system.

8.5.2.5 Each toilet and bathing area shall have grab bars and a nurse call system.

8.5.2.6 The temperature of the water supply to shower, bathing and handwashing facilities shall be automatically regulated not to exceed 110&&° Fahrenheit.

8.5.2.7 Emergency numbers shall be located near the telephone.

8.5.2.8 There shall be a written evacuation plan for the removal of patients in the event of an emergency.

8.5.2.8.1 The evacuation plan shall be posted in a conspicuous place on each floor of the building.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 3365-8.0

12 DE Reg. 235 (08/01/08)
25 DE Reg. 777( 2/1/2022) (Final)