N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-17.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:43A-17.4 - Environmental patient care services

(a) The following environmental conditions shall be met:

1. Thermometers which are accurate to within three degrees Fahrenheit shall be kept in a visible location in refrigerators, freezers, and storerooms used for perishable and other items subject to deterioration. Records shall be kept for 12 months;

2. Articles in storage shall be elevated from the floor and away from walls, ceilings, and air vents to facilitate cleaning. Storage units shall be non-porous and cleanable;

3. There shall be separate refrigerators for medications, laboratory specimens, and food. There shall be a separate designated area for all food items and beverages. Records shall be kept for 12 months;

4. Draperies, upholstery, and other fabrics or decorations shall be fire-resistant and flameproof;

5. Latex foam pillows shall be prohibited;

6. Equipment requiring drainage shall be drained to a sanitary connection, in accordance with State and local codes;

7. During warm weather conditions, the temperature of the facility shall not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility shall establish a written heat emergency action plan which specifies procedures to be followed in the event that the indoor air temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a continuous period of four hours or longer. The facility shall provide adequate ventilation in all areas used by patients;

8. The temperature in the facility shall be kept at a minimum of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) when patients are in the facility;

9. Throw rugs or scatter rugs shall not be used in the facility;

10. All equipment shall have unobstructed space provided for operation;

11. Combustible materials shall not be stored in heater rooms or within 18 feet of any heater located in an open basement;

12. Paints, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, and all other flammable materials shall be stored outside the building. Minimum supplies may be kept in the building in a locked storage room or in closed, locked metal cabinets or containers in a non-patient area of the facility;

13. All furnishings shall be clean and in good repair, and mechanical equipment shall be in good working order. Equipment shall be kept covered to protect from contamination and accessible for cleaning and inspection. Broken or worn items shall be repaired, replaced, or removed promptly;

14. Mattresses, mattress pads and coverings, pillows, bedsprings, and other furnishings shall be properly maintained and kept clean. They shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected upon discharge of each patient;

15. All equipment and environmental surfaces shall be kept clean to sight and touch; and

16. When areas of the facility are undergoing renovation or new construction, protective measures shall be taken to contain dust and redirect traffic in patient care areas.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-17.4

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 "Waste removal".