NAC449.322. Housekeeping and laundry services.

     1. A hospital shall establish organized housekeeping services planned, operated and maintained to provide a pleasant, safe and sanitary environment. Adequate personnel, using accepted practices and procedures, shall keep the hospital free from offensive odors, accumulations of dirt, rubbish, dust and safety hazards.

     2. Suitable equipment and supplies must be provided for cleaning all surfaces. The equipment must be maintained in a safe, sanitary condition. Storage areas, attics and cellars must be kept safe and free from accumulations of extraneous materials such as refuse, discarded furniture and equipment, and old newspapers. Combustibles such as cleaning rags and compounds and hazardous substances must be labeled properly and stored in safe places. Paper towels, tissues and similar supplies must be stored in a manner to prevent their contamination before use.

     3. Cleaning must be performed in a manner to minimize the spread of pathogenic organisms. Floors must be cleaned regularly. Polishes on floors must provide a nonslip finish. Throw or scatter rugs must not be used except for nonslip entrance mats.

     4. Housekeeping personnel must receive adequate supervision. Continuous in-service training programs must be established for housekeeping personnel.

     5. A hospital shall develop and carry out standards and systems for the operation of laundry services. Laundry services, whether owned by the hospital or provided pursuant to a contract, must:

     (a) Maintain standards for a safe work environment for employees;

     (b) Address issues relating to the control of infections; and

     (c) Be operated in a manner that does not disrupt the patient care provided by the hospital.

     6. A hospital shall develop and carry out:

     (a) Standards and systems for the storage and handling of clean linen and soiled linen; and

     (b) Written policies relating to the handling, storage, transportation and processing of its linen.

     [Bd. of Health, Health Facilities Reg. Part III Ch. I § II part subsec. A, eff. 10-9-69; A 8-26-74; Ch. II part § II, eff. 10-9-69]—(NAC A by R050-99, 9-27-99)