Section 0940-05-16-.19 - HOSPITAL MAINTENANCE AND HOUSEKEEPING MANAGEMENT(1) Employees must participate in an education program on infection control and employee health. This program must include appropriate methods for working in the isolated environment and documentation and understanding of the care of the contaminated tools and equipment.(2) The Chief Executive Officer or Administrator of the hospital must appoint a person to supervise housekeeping who is qualified for the position by education, training and experience.(3) The supervisor of housekeeping must have the following responsibilities: (a) Organizing and coordinating the hospital's housekeeping service to provide a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff;(b) Acquiring and storing sufficient supplies and equipment to maintain the hospital in a clean and sanitary condition at all times;(c) Having knowledge of infection control rules, regulations and guidelines adopted for guidance for hospital housekeeping by departments or services; and(d) Responsibility for the cleaning and sanitary condition of the hospital. The cleaning must be accomplished in accordance with the infection control rules and regulations herein and any departmental guidelines or policies adopted by the hospital.(4) All housekeeping staff must receive training or orientation in the infection control rules and regulations herein and guidelines and policies required in special areas established by the hospital.(5) Policies and procedures for each department regarding infection control must be maintained and adhered to by the housekeeping department. These policies and procedures must include, but not be limited to, items such as fluid and wet vacuuming, wet mopping techniques, linen service, handling of soiled linens, handling of linen washing and drying, trash collection and incinerations of refuse and cleaning of all areas within the hospital. Policies must be maintained in this department that would include disposal of contaminated waste products. A documentation of supplies used for cleaning and cleaning schedules must be maintained within the department. Specific policies regarding cleaning of isolation areas must be maintained within this department. All housekeeping employees must have an orientation that includes infection control policies and procedures with specific reference to their department and employee health.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-05-16-.19
Original rule filed May 26, 1988; effective July 11, 1988.Authority: T.C.A. § 33-2-504.