216-40-10 R.I. Code R. § 16.12

Current through June 12, 2024

Section 216-RICR-40-10-16.12 - Environmental and Maintenance Services

16.12.1Disaster Preparedness

A. Each center shall develop and maintain a written disaster preparedness plan which shall include plans and procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergencies.

B. The plan and procedures shall be developed and coordinated with assistance of qualified safety and other appropriate experts, including the appropriate state and local agencies and representatives concerned with emergency, safety, rescue and disaster preparedness.

C. The plan shall include procedures to be followed pertaining to no less than the following:

1. Fire, explosion, hurricane, loss of power and/or water, flooding and other calamities;

2. Transfer of casualties;

3. Location and use of alarm systems, signals and fire fighting equipment;

4. Containment of fire;

5. Notification of appropriate persons;

6. Relocation of patients and evacuation routes;

7. Handling of drugs and biologicals; and

8. Any other essentials as may be warranted.

D. A copy of the plan shall be available at every nursing unit.

E. Emergency steps of action shall be clearly outlined and posted in conspicuous locations throughout the center.

F. Simulated drills testing the effectiveness of the plan shall be conducted for all shifts at least twice a year. Written reports and evaluation of all drills shall be maintained by the facility.

G. All personnel shall receive training in disaster preparedness as part of their employment orientation.

16.12.2Housekeeping

A. A full-time employee of the center shall be designated responsible for housekeeping services, supervision and training of housekeeping personnel.

B. Sufficient housekeeping and maintenance personnel shall be employed to maintain a comfortable, safe, clean, sanitary and orderly environment in the center.

1. Housekeeping personnel may assist in food distribution but not food preparation. Careful hand washing should be done prior to assisting in food distribution.

C. Written housekeeping policies and procedures shall be established for the operation of housekeeping services throughout the facility. Copies shall be available for all housekeeping personnel.

D. All parts of the center and its premises shall be kept clean, neat and free of litter and rubbish and offensive odors.

E. Equipment and supplies shall be provided for cleaning of all surfaces. Such equipment shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary condition and shall be properly stored.

F. Hazardous cleaning solutions, compounds, and substances shall be labeled, stored in a safe place, and kept in an enclosed section separate from other cleaning materials.

G. Cleaning shall be performed in a manner which will minimize the development and spread of pathogenic organisms in the environment.

H. Exhaust ducts from kitchens and other cooking areas shall be equipped with proper filters and cleaned at regular intervals. The ducts shall be cleaned as often as necessary and inspected by the facility no less than twice a year.

I. Centers contracting with outside resources for housekeeping services shall require conformance with existing regulations

16.12.3Laundry Service

A. Each center shall make provisions for the cleaning of all linens and other washable goods.

B. A center providing laundry service shall have adequate space and equipment for the safe and effective operation of a laundry service. In unsewered areas, approval shall be obtained of the sewage system from the state agency to ensure its adequacy.

C. Written policies and procedures for the operation of the laundry service, including special procedures for the handling and processing of contaminated linens, shall be established.

D. There shall be distinct areas for the separate storage and handling of clean and soiled linens.

1. The soiled linen area and the washing area shall be negatively pressurized or otherwise protected to prevent introduction of airborne contaminants.

2. The clean linen area and the drying area shall be physically divorced from the soiled linen area and the washing area.

E. All soiled linen shall be placed in closed containers prior to transportation.

F. To safeguard clean linens from cross-contamination they shall be transported in containers used exclusively for clean linens which shall be kept covered at all times while in transit and stored in areas designated exclusively for this purpose.

G. Centers contracting for services with an outside resource shall require conformance with this Part.

216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-10-16.12