Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-40-.14

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through December 24, 2024

Rule 111-8-40-.14 - Physical Environment

The hospital shall be equipped and maintained to provide a clean and safe environment for patients, employees, and visitors.

(a)Safety. The hospital shall develop and implement an effective hospital-wide safety program that includes the following components:

1. A fire safety program including compliance with the applicable provisions of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), as enforced by the state fire marshal;

2. An incident monitoring system that promptly identifies, investigates, and takes effective action regarding all incidents that involve injury to patients, employees, or visitors or that involve significant damage to property;

3. A program to inspect, monitor, and maintain biomedical equipment, electrical equipment, and emergency power generators;

4. A program for the monitoring and maintenance of electrical safety;

5. Security procedures for controlling access to sensitive areas, as defined by the hospital, for patients, employees, and visitors;

6. Procedures for the safe management of medical gases;

7. A system for patients or staff to summon assistance, when needed, from patient rooms, bathrooms, and treatment areas;

8. Policies regarding smoking which apply to employees, patients, and visitors; and

9. Procedures for storage and disposal of biohazardous medical waste in accordance with applicable laws.

(b)Cleanliness and Sanitation. The hospital shall maintain an environment that is clean and in good repair, through a program that establishes and maintains:

1. Standardized daily, interim, and terminal cleaning routines for all areas;

2. Facilities for convenient and effective hand washing throughout the hospital;

3. Systems for management of linens, including collection, sorting, transport, and washing of soiled linens, and storage and distribution of clean linens;

(i) Collection and sorting procedures shall be designed to prevent contamination of the environment and personnel. Collection procedures shall include bagging of soiled linen at site of use. Sorting and rinsing of soiled linens shall not take place in patient care areas;

(ii) Clean and soiled linens shall be transported in separate containers or carts;

(iii) The laundering process for soiled linens shall be sufficient to remove organic soil and render the linen incapable of causing human illness; and

(iv) Any soiled linen processing area shall be separate from the area used for clean linen storage, from patient care areas, and from areas where clean or sterilized supplies and equipment are stored;

4. Standards regarding the use of hospital disinfectants;

5. Systems for the storage and disposal of garbage, trash, and waste in a manner that will not permit the transmission of disease, create a nuisance, or provide a breeding place for insects or rodents; and

6. Procedures for the prevention of infestation by insects, rodents, or other vermin or vectors.

(c)Light, Temperature, and Ventilation. The hospital shall provide adequate lighting, ventilation, and control of temperature and air humidity for optimal patient care and safety of the hospital's patients and staff and shall monitor and maintain such systems to function at least minimally to the design standards current at the time of approved facility construction or renovation.

(d)Space. The hospital shall provide sufficient space and equipment for the scope and complexity of services offered.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-40-.14

O.C.G.A. § 31-7-2.1.

Original Rule entitled "Physical Environment" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.