2612. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND INFECTION CONTROL

2612 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND INFECTION CONTROL 2612.1 In order to prevent against and provide for the control of infection, each maternity center shall be equipped with the following: (a) Handwashing sinks in or adjacent to the birth rooms; (b) Separate toilet facilities for patients and their families and maternity center personnel; (c) Laundry facilities that are segregated as follows: an enclosed holding area with a handwashing sink to store soiled laundry, and a workroom with a handwashing sink to store and to hold clean laundry; (d) A janitor's closet and a sink for maintenance use separate from laundry and toilet facilities; (e) An enclosed area for the storage of clean supplies and equipment; and (f) Sterilization equipment to sterilize all surgical instruments used in patient care. 2612.2 If a dishwasher is used, it shall have a sanitation cycle. 2612.3 There shall be a defined means of discarding waste products and materials, including medical waste. Soiled linen shall be laundered with a final rinse cycle of at least 160 degrees F, or an approved commercial laundry may be used. 2612.4 Materials that cannot be properly sterilized for re-use shall be disposed of after a single use. SOURCE: Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 2779 (March 19, 1999); as amended by Corrected Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 3970 (April 30, 1999).