R9-10-617. Environmental Standards for a Hospice Inpatient Facility

A. An administrator of a hospice inpatient facility shall ensure that: 1. Policies and procedures are established, documented, and implemented to protect the health and safety of a patient that cover: a. Cleaning and storing of soiled linens and clothing, b. Housekeeping procedures that ensure a clean environment, and c. Isolation of a patient who may spread an infection; 2. The premises and equipment are: a. Cleaned and disinfected according to policies and procedures or manufacturer’s instructions to prevent, minimize, and control illness or infection; and b. Free from a condition or situation that may cause a patient or other individual to suffer physical injury or illness; 3. A pest control program that complies with A.A.C. R3-8- 201(C)(4) is implemented and documented; 4. Equipment used at the hospice inpatient facility is: a. Maintained in working order; b. Tested and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or, if there are no manufacturer’s recommendations, as specified in the hospice inpatient facility’s policies and procedures; and c. Used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations; 5. Documentation of equipment testing, calibration, and repair is maintained for at least 12 months after the date of the testing, calibration, or repair; 6. Garbage and refuse are: a. Stored in covered containers lined with plastic bags, and b. Removed from the premises at least once a week; 7. Soiled linen and clothing are: a. Collected in a manner to minimize or prevent contamination; b. Bagged at the site of use; and c. Maintained separate from clean linen and clothing and away from food storage, kitchen, or dining areas; 8. Heating and cooling systems maintain the hospice inpatient facility at a temperature between 70° F and 84° F at all times; 9. Common areas: a. Are lighted to assure the safety of patients, and b. Have lighting sufficient to allow personnel members to monitor patient activity; 10. The supply of hot and cold water is sufficient to meet the personal hygiene needs of patients and the cleaning and sanitation requirements in this Article; 11. Oxygen containers are secured in an upright position; 12. Poisonous or toxic materials stored by the hospice inpatient facility are maintained in labeled containers in a locked area separate from food preparation and storage, dining areas, and medications and are inaccessible to patients; 13. Except for medical supplies needed by a patient, combustible or flammable liquids and hazardous materials are stored by the hospice inpatient facility in the original labeled containers or safety containers in a locked area inaccessible to patients; 14. If pets or animals are allowed in the hospice inpatient facility, pets or animals are: a. Controlled to prevent endangering the patients and to maintain sanitation, and b. Licensed consistent with local ordinances; 15. If a water source that is not regulated under 18 A.A.C. 4 by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is used: a. The water source is tested at least once every 12 months for total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria; b. If necessary, corrective action is taken to ensure the water is safe to drink, and c. Documentation of testing is retained for at least 12 months after the date of the test; and 16. If a non-municipal sewage system is used, the sewage system is in working order and is maintained according to all applicable state laws and rules. B. An administrator of a hospice inpatient facility shall ensure that a patient is allowed to use and display personal belongings.