R432-100-35. Central Supply Services

(1) The licensee shall ensure a central supply service supervisor is qualified for the position by education, training, and experience. (2)(a) The licensee shall provide central service space and equipment for the cleaning, disinfecting, packaging, sterilizing, storing, and distribution of medical and surgical patient care supplies. (b) The licensee shall ensure the hospital central service area provides: (i) a decontamination area that is separated by a barrier or divider to allow the receiving, cleaning, and disinfection functions to be performed separately from other central service functions; (ii) a linen assembly or pack-making area that has ventilation to control lint and is separated from the general sterilization and processing area; and (iii) a sterilization area that contains hospital sterilizers with approved controls and safety features and the licensee ensures: (A) if a gas sterilizer is used, the gas sterilizer is inspected, maintained, and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations; (B) the accuracy of the sterilizers' performance is checked by a method that includes a permanent record of each run; and (C) the sterilizers are tested by biological monitors at least weekly. (3) The licensee shall separate the storage area into sterile and non-sterile areas and ensure: (a) outside shipping cartons are not stored in the storage area; (b) the storage area has temperature and humidity controls; and (c) the storage area is free of excessive moisture and dust. (4) Staff shall wipe countertops and tables with a broad spectrum disinfectant during each shift that the central service area is staffed. (5) Staff shall issue and launder any apparel worn in central supply according to hospital policy.