R432-600-23. Laundry Services

  (1) Each facility shall have provisions for storage and processing of clean and soiled linen as required for patient care.

  (2) Processing may be done within the facility, in a separate building or in a commercial or shared laundry.

  (3) Each facility shall develop and implement policies and procedures relevant to operation of the laundry.

  (4) Clean linen shall be stored, handled, and transported in a manner to prevent contamination.

  (a) Clean linen shall be stored in clean ventilated closets, rooms, or alcoves used only for that purpose.

  (b) Clean linen shall be covered if stored in alcoves and transported through the facility.

  (c) Clean linen from a commercial laundry shall be delivered to a designated clean area in a manner that prevents contamination.

  (d) Linens shall be maintained in good condition.

  (e) A supply of clean washcloths and towels shall be provided and available to staff to meet the care needs of patients.

  (5) Soiled linen shall be handled, stored and processed in a manner that will prevent the spread of infections.

  (a) Soiled linen shall be sorted in a separate room by methods affording protection from contamination, according to facility policy and applicable rules.

  (b) Soiled linen shall be stored and transported in a closed container which prevents airborne contamination of corridors, areas occupied by patients, and precludes cross contamination of clean linens.

  (6) Laundry chutes shall be maintained in a clean sanitary state.