N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-17.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:43A-17.3 - Housekeeping patient services

(a) All areas, including areas with limited access such as cabinet drawers, locked medication rooms, and storage areas, shall be kept clean to sight and touch and free of condensation, mold growth and noxious odors.

(b) All equipment and materials necessary for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing (if applicable) shall be provided.

(c) All household and cleaning products in the facility shall be identified, labeled, and securely stored in a cabinet, closet, or room which is inaccessible to patients.

(d) Housekeeping and cleaning supplies shall be selected and approved by the Infection Control Committee. They shall be measured and used correctly according to the manufacturers' written instructions.

(e) All toilets and bathrooms shall be kept clean to sight and touch, in good repair, and free of odors that reflect poor housekeeping practices.

(f) Toilet tissue, soap, and disposable towels or air driers shall be provided in each bathroom at all times. Soap and disposable towels or air driers shall be provided at each handwashing sink at all times.

(g) Reusable hand-cleanser dispensers shall be clean inside and out. Disposable dispensers shall be discarded and not refilled.

(h) Carpeting shall be kept clean and odor-free and shall not be frayed, worn, torn, or buckled.

(i) Window and partitioning curtains and drapes shall be kept clean to sight and touch and odor-free.

(j) Walls, ceilings, and vents shall be kept clean to sight and touch and odor-free.

(k) Windows and screens shall be kept clean to sight and touch and in good repair.

(l) Effective and safe controls shall be used to minimize and eliminate the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin in the facility. The premises shall be kept in such condition as to prevent the breeding, harborage, or feeding of vermin. All openings to the outer air shall be effectively protected against the entrance of insects.

(m) Nonskid wax shall be used on all waxed floors.

(n) All communal toys shall be washed after each use. No stuffed animals shall be allowed except for personal use.

(o) Plants and flowers shall not be allowed in patient treatment areas (such as operating rooms and procedure rooms) or sterile processing areas.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-17.3

Repeal and New Rule, R.2004 d.299, effective 8/2/2004.
See: 35 N.J.R. 2838(a), 36 N.J.R. 3529(a).
Section was "Patient care environment".