Section R9-10-617. Environmental Standards for a Hospice Inpatient Facility

A.      An administrator of a hospice inpatient facility shall ensure that:

1.        Policies and procedures are established, documented, and implemented to protect the health and safety of a patient that cover:

a.         Cleaning and storing of soiled linens and clothing,

b.        Housekeeping procedures that ensure a clean envi- ronment, and

c.         Isolation of a patient who may spread an infection;

2.        The premises and equipment are:

a.         Cleaned and disinfected according to policies and procedures or manufacturer's instructions to prevent, minimize, and control illness or infection; and

b.        Free from a condition or situation that may cause a patient or other individual to suffer physical injury or illness;

3.        A pest control program is implemented and documented;

4.        Equipment used at the hospice inpatient facility is:

a.         Maintained in working order;

b.        Tested and calibrated according to the manufac- turer’s recommendations or, if there are no manufac- turer’s recommendations, as specified in the hospice inpatient facility’s policies and procedures; and

c.         Used according to the manufacturer’s recommenda- tions;

4.        Documentation of equipment testing, calibration, and repair is maintained for at least 12 months after the date of the testing, calibration, or repair;

5.        Garbage and refuse are:

a.         Stored in covered containers lined with plastic bags, and

b.        Removed from the premises at least once a week;

6.        Soiled linen and clothing are:

a.         Collected in a manner to minimize or prevent con- tamination;

b.        Bagged at the site of use; and

c.         Maintained separate from clean linen and clothing and away from food storage, kitchen, or dining areas;

7.        Heating and cooling systems maintain the hospice inpa- tient facility at a temperature between 70° F and 84° F at all times;

8.        Common areas:

a.         Are lighted to assure the safety of patients, and

b.        Have lighting sufficient to allow personnel members to monitor patient activity;

9.        The supply of hot and cold water is sufficient to meet the personal hygiene needs of patients and the cleaning and sanitation requirements in this Article;

10.     Oxygen containers are secured in an upright position;

11.     Poisonous or toxic materials stored by the hospice inpa- tient facility are maintained in labeled containers in a locked area separate from food preparation and storage, dining areas, and medications and are inaccessible to patients;

12.     Except for medical supplies needed by a patient, combus- tible or flammable liquids and hazardous materials are stored by the hospice inpatient facility in the original labeled containers or safety containers in a locked area inaccessible to patients;

13.     If pets or animals are allowed in the hospice inpatient facility, pets or animals are:

a.         Controlled to prevent endangering the patients and to maintain sanitation, and

b.        Licensed consistent with local ordinances;

14.     If a water source that is not regulated under 18 A.A.C. 4 by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is used:

a.         The water source is tested at least once every 12 months for total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria;

b.        If necessary, corrective action is taken to ensure the water is safe to drink, and

c.         Documentation of testing is retained for at least 12 months after the date of the test; and

15.     If a non-municipal sewage system is used, the sewage system is in working order and is maintained according to all applicable state laws and rules.

B.       An administrator of a hospice inpatient facility shall ensure that a patient is allowed to use and display personal belong- ings.

Historical Note

Adopted effective November 6, 1978 (Supp. 78-6). Sec- tion R9-10-617 repealed effective November 1, 1998, under an exemption from the provisions of the Adminis- trative Procedure Act pursuant to Laws 1998, Ch. 178, § 17; filed with the Office of the Secretary of State October 2, 1998 (Supp. 98-4). New Section made by exempt

rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 2015, effective October 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 20

A.A.R. 1409, pursuant to Laws 2013, Ch. 10, § 13; effec- tive July 1, 2014 (Supp. 14-2).