216-40-10 R.I. Code R. § 12.7

Current through June 12, 2024

Section 216-RICR-40-10-12.7 - Physical Plant and Equipment

12.7.1General Maintenance Provisions

A. A qualified technically trained and competent person shall be designated to oversee the general maintenance and functional operation of all the mechanical equipment relative to dialysis treatment in a safe and properly functioning order.

B. Each facility utilizing a central-batch delivery system shall provide either on the premises or through contractual arrangement with a supplier, sufficient individual delivery systems for the treatment of any patient requiring special dialysis solutions.

C. Records of calibration and testing of equipment shall be maintained for at least three (3) years.

12.7.2Physical Facility

A. The dialysis unit(s) shall be separate from other activities and shall be located in an area free of traffic by non-unit staff or patients.

B. The nursing station shall be located in an area which provides adequate surveillance of patients on dialysis machines.

C. Treatment areas shall be designed and equipped to provide adequate and safe treatment, as well as privacy and comfort for patients. Sufficient space shall be provided to accommodate emergency equipment and staff to move freely to reach patients in emergencies.

D. Heating and ventilation systems shall be capable of maintaining adequate and comfortable temperatures.

E. Each facility shall met the fire and safety provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-28.1, and shall conform with all state and local building codes.

12.7.3Emergency Power

A. The facility shall be equipped with an emergency power source.

B. The emergency electrical power system shall be adequate to supply power to maintain the operation of the dialysis machines and other life-support systems, and lighting for egress, fire detection equipment, alarm and extinguishing systems.

12.7.4Lighting and Electrical Services

All electrical and other equipment used in the facility shall be maintained free of defects which could be a potential hazard to patients or personnel. A planned program of preventive maintenance of equipment used in dialysis and related procedures in the facility shall be established.

12.7.5New Construction

A. All new construction shall be subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 23- 28.1, 23-27.3, and 23-1.

B. All new construction shall also be subject to the provisions of "Specifications for Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to and Usable by the Physically Handicapped", American National Standards Institute (1980), not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with these Regulations.

C. In addition, any other applicable state and local laws, codes and rules and regulations shall apply. Where there is a difference between codes, the code having the higher standard shall apply.

12.7.6Plumbing

A. All plumbing material and plumbing systems or parts thereof installed shall meet the minimum requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3.

B. All plumbing shall be installed in such a manner as to prevent back siphonage or cross-connections between potable and non-potable water supplies.

12.7.7Water Supply

A. Water shall be obtained from a community water system and shall be distributed to conveniently located taps and fixtures throughout the facility and shall be adequate in volume and pressure for all purposes including firefighting.

B. Water used for dialysis purposes shall be analyzed periodically and treated as necessary to maintain a continuous water supply that is biologically and chemically compatible with acceptable dialysis techniques.

12.7.8Waste Disposal

A. Medical Waste:

1. Medical waste as defined in the Rules and Regulations Governing the Generation, Transportation, Storage, Treatment, Management and Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, shall be managed in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned regulations.

B. Other Waste:

1. Wastes which are not classified as infectious waste, hazardous wastes or which are not otherwise regulated by law or rule may be disposed in dumpsters or load packers provided the following precautions are maintained:

a. Dumpsters shall be tightly covered, leak proof, inaccessible to rodents and animals, and placed on concrete slabs preferably graded to a drain. Water supply shall be available within easy accessibility for washing down of the area. In addition, the pick-up schedule shall be maintained with more frequent pick-ups when required. The dumping site of waste materials must be in sanitary landfills approved by the Department of Environmental Management.

b. Load packers must conform to the same restrictions required for dumpsters and, in addition, load packers shall be:

(1) high enough off the ground to facilitate the cleaning of the underneath areas of the stationary equipment; and

(2) the loading section should be constructed and maintained to prevent rubbish from blowing from said area site.

12.7.9Waste Water Disposal

If a municipal sanitary sewer system is available, the facility shall be connected to the system if feasible. If a municipal sanitary sewer system is not available, the facility shall meet the standards set forth by the Department of Environmental Management.

12.7.10Deficiencies and Plans of Correction

A. The licensing agency shall notify the governing body or other legal authority of a facility of violations of individual standards through a notice of deficiencies which shall be forwarded to the facility within fifteen (15) days of inspection of the facility unless the Director determines that immediate action is necessary to protect the health, welfare, or safety of the public or any member thereof through the issuance of an immediate compliance order in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-21.

B. A facility which received a notice of deficiencies must submit a plan of correction to the licensing agency within fifteen (15) days of the date of the notice of deficiencies. The plan of correction shall detail any requests for variances as well as document the reasons therefore.

C. The licensing agency will be required to approve or reject the plan of correction submitted by a facility in accordance with §12.8.10(B) of this Part within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the plan of correction.

D. If the licensing agency rejects the plan of correction, or if the facility does not provide a plan of correction within the fifteen (15) day period stipulated in §12.8.10(B) of this Part, or if a facility whose plan of correction has been approved by the licensing agency fails to execute its plan within a reasonable time, the licensing agency may invoke the sanctions enumerated in §12.4.7 of this Part. If the facility is aggrieved by the sanctions of the licensing agency, the facility may appeal the decision and request a hearing in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35.

E. The notice of the hearing to be given by the Department of Health shall comply in all respects with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-35. The hearing shall in all respects comply with all provisions therein.

216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-10-12.7

Amended effective 9/28/2023
Amended effective 12/24/2023