D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-B2031

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 22-B2031 - PHYSICAL PLANT STANDARDS

2031.1

All hospitals shall be designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that is safe, clean, and functional for the type of care and treatment to be provided. The physical plant standards for facilities, which include support services, care and treatment areas, construction standards and building systems are set forth below.

2031.2

The hospital may share the following support service areas among detached structures, care and treatment areas, or with other licensed health care facilities.

(a) Dietary: If food preparation is provided on site, the hospital shall dedicate space and equipment for the preparation of meals. Food service physical environment and equipment shall comply with Title 25 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (the Food Code) except when used only for training or activity purposes.

(b) Laundry: If the hospital provides laundry services, the services may be provided by contract or on-site by the hospital.

(1) Contract: If contractual services are used, the hospital shall have areas for soiled linen awaiting pickup and separate areas for storage and distribution of clean linen.

(2) On-site: If on-site services are provided, the hospital shall have areas dedicated to laundry.

(A) If personal laundry areas are provided, the areas shall be equipped with a washer and dryer for use by patients. In new construction, the hospital shall provide a conveniently located sink for soaking and hand-washing of laundry.

(B) Hospital laundry area for hospital processed bulk laundry shall be divided into separate soiled (sort and wash areas) and clean (drying, folding, and mending areas) rooms. In new facilities a separate soaking and hand-washing sink and housekeeping room shall be provided in the laundry area.

(C) Separate clean linen supply storage facilities shall be conveniently located in each care and treatment location.

(c) Diagnostic: If the hospital provides radiology or laboratory services, the services shall comply with the following:

(i) Imaging rooms shall accommodate the operational and shielding requirements of the equipment installed and the condition of the patient and shall provide clear floor area adequate for the safety of staff and patients.

(ii) Laboratory areas shall provide for sample collection and protection, analyzing, testing and storage. The hospital shall handle all potentially contagious and hazardous samples in a manner as to minimize transmission of infectious diseases.

(d) Waste processing: The hospital shall provide areas to collect, contain , process, and dispose of medical and general waste produced within the hospital in such a manner as to prevent the attraction of rodents, flies and all other insects and vermin, and to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 22, r. 22-B2031

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 8813 (August 15, 2008)