La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-8427

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-8427 - Health and Safety

A. Infection Control

1. The facility shall protect staff, patients, and visitors from potential and/or actual harm from infectious disease by utilizing the following policies and procedures.

a. Development and implementation of a universal precautions program that includes education and practice.

b. Development and implementation of a infection control program to report, evaluate, and maintain documentation pertaining to the spread of infectious disease, including data collection and analysis, corrective actions, and assignment of responsibility to designated medical staff person (including "access infections").

c. The facility shall strictly adhere to all sanitation requirements.

2. The facility shall establish and maintain a clean environment by the implementation of the following housekeeping policies and procedures:

a. supplies and equipment shall be available to staff and/or patients;

b. consistent and constant monitoring and cleaning of all areas of the facility shall be practiced; and

3. the facility may contract for services necessary to maintain a clean environment.

B. Sanitation

1. Food and waste shall be stored, handled, and removed in a way that will not spread disease, cause odors, or provide a breeding place for pests.

2. If there is evidence of pests, the facility shall contract for pest control.

C. Environmental Safety

1. The entire facility (including grounds, buildings, furniture, appliances, and equipment) shall be structurally sound, in good repair, clean, and free from health and safety hazards.

2. The facility shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3. The facility shall prohibit firearms and/or other weapons.

4. Poisonous, toxic and flammable materials shall be properly labeled, stored, and used safely.

5. The facility shall take all possible precautions to protect the staff, patients and visitors from accidents or unnecessary injuries or illnesses.

D. The facility shall respond effectively during a fire or other emergency. Every facility shall:

1. have emergency evacuation procedures that include provisions for the handicapped;

2. hold simulated fire drills on each shift at least quarterly to familiarize facility personnel with the signals and emergency actions required; patients shall not be moved during drills;

3. be able to evacuate the building in a timely manner whenever necessary;

4. conspicuously post exit diagrams throughout the facility;

5. post emergency numbers by all phones; and

6. have adequate first aid supplies that are visible and easy to access whenever necessary.

E. The facility shall have a written facility specific disaster plan. The staff shall be able to access and implement the plan when required.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-8427

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 28:2196 (October 2002).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 46:153 and R.S. 40:2117.4.