N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43-15.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:43-15.8 - Laundry services

(a) Written policies and procedures shall be established and implemented for the facility's laundry services, including, but not limited to, policies and procedures regarding the following:

1. The storage and transportation of laundry;

2. Collection and storage of soiled laundry in a ventilated area;

3. Protection of clean laundry from contamination during processing, transporting, and storage; and

4. Handling and laundering of resident's clothing and personal items separately from other laundry.

(b) Soiled laundry shall be stored in a ventilated, vermin-proof area, separate from laundry supplies, and shall be stored, sorted, rinsed, and laundered only in areas specifically designated for those purposes.

(c) All soiled laundry from resident rooms and other service areas shall be stored, transported, collected, and delivered in a covered laundry bag or cart. Laundry carts shall be in good repair, kept clean, and identified for use with either clean or soiled laundry.

(d) Clean laundry shall be protected from contamination during processing, storage, and transportation within the facility.

(e) Soiled and clean laundry shall be kept separate. An established procedure shall be followed to reduce the number of bacteria in the fabrics. Equipment or surfaces such as tables that come into contact with soiled laundry shall be sanitized after use.

(f) Residents who choose to launder their personal items shall be provided with in-house assistance and resident supervision, as required, in accordance with a schedule developed by the facility which will allow such residents access at a reasonable hour.

(g) If the facility provides an on-premises laundry in lieu of using a commercial laundry service, it shall provide a receiving, holding, and sorting area with hand-washing facilities in close proximity. The walls, floors, and ceilings of the area shall be clean and in good repair. Ventilation shall be adequate to prevent heat and odor build-up. If a structural change is required by this section, the facility shall demonstrate an alternate system to meet the requirements of all subsections of this section.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43-15.8