N.M. Admin. Code § 16.34.7.7

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 16.34.7.7 - DEFINITIONS

The following defnitions are recommended infection control standards used for cleaning (sanitizing), disinfecting, and sterilization:

A. "clean or cleansing" means washing with liquid soap and water, detergent, antiseptics, or other adequate methods to removal all visible debris or residue. Cleansing is not disinfection.

B. "disinfect or disinfection" means the use of chemical agents (after cleaning) to destroy potentially dangerous pathogens on non-porous items;

C. "disinfectant" means an EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal chemical effective against pathogens of concern when used as directed on the manufacturer's label. For purposes of this rule alcohol and UV light boxes are not approved for disinfection.

D. "proper use of EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal disinfectants" means disinfecting using the following:

(1) implements and surfaces shall first be thoroughly cleaned of all visible debris prior to disinfection. EPA-registered bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal disinfectants become inactivated and ineffective when visibly contaminated with debris, hair, dirt and particulates;

(2) some disinfectants may be sprayed on instruments, tools, or equipment to be disinfected;

(3) disinfectants in which implements are to be immersed shall be prepared fresh daily or more often if solution becomes diluted or soiled; and

(4) these chemicals are harsh and may affect the long term use of scissors and other sharp objects. Leaving items in solution in accordance with manufacturers' recommendation for effective disinfection is recommended.

E. "multi-use" means non-porous instruments, items, equipment, implements or tools that must be cleaned and disinfected. The items must be disinfected by a complete immersion in an EPA-registered, bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal (formulated for hospitals) disinfectant that is mixed and used according to the manufacturer's directions. Non-porous items are the only items that can be disinfected;

E. "laundering" means to wash in washing machine with detergent, dried and hot to the touch, kept in enclosed container or cabinet;

F. "sanitation" means the maintenance of sanitary conditions to promote hygiene and the prevention of disease through the use of chemical agents or products;

G. "single use items" means tools or supplies that come in contact with the public and are porous (made of anything other than plastic, metal or glass) cannot be disinfected (including, but not limited to: disposable razors, pedi-pads, emery boards, sponges, cotton pads, buffng blocks, toe separators, chamois, sandpaper drill bits, waxing strip, wood sticks, cotton balls, nail wipes, disposable towels, pumice stones, fip fops, and porous fles, etc.) shall be disposed of immediately after use;

H. "sterilize or sterilization" means to eliminate all forms of bacteria or other microorganisms.

N.M. Admin. Code § 16.34.7.7

16.34.7.7 NMAC - Rp 16 NMAC 34.7.7, 06-16-01, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVI, Issue 22, November 30, 2015, eff. 12/17/2015