California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 3 - Skilled Nursing Facilities
Article 6 - Physical Plant
Section 72619 - Space and Equipment for Autoclaving, Sterilizing and Disinfecting

Universal Citation: 22 CA Code of Regs 72619

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) A facility shall:

(1) Maintain disposable sterile supplies in the amount necessary to meet the anticipated needs of the patients, or

(2) Maintain autoclave equipment, or

(3) Make contractual arrangements for outside autoclaving and sterilizing services.

(b) If a facility maintains a central supply and sterilizing area, it shall include but not be limited to:

(1) An autoclave or sterilizer, which shall be maintained in operating condition at all times.

(A) Autoclaves shall be equipped with time recording thermometers in addition to the standard mercury thermometers, except for portable sterilizers and autoclaves.

(B) Instructions for operating autoclaves and sterilizers shall be posted in the area where the autoclaves and sterilizers are located.

(2) Work space.

(3) Storage space for sterile supplies.

(4) Storage space for unsterile supplies.

(5) Equipment for cleaning and sterilizing of utensils and supplies.

(1) Effective separation of soiled and contaminated supplies and equipment from the clean and sterilized supplies and equipment.

(2) Clean cabinets for the storage of sterile supplies and equipment.

(3) An orderly system of rotation of supplies so that the supplies stored first shall be used first and that multi-use supplies shall be reautoclaved as they become outdated.

(4) Dating of materials sterilized.

(5) Loading of the autoclave or sterilizer.

(6) Checking of recording and indicating thermometers. Recording thermometer charts shall be on file for one year.

(7) Conducting monthly bacteriological tests. Reports of test results for the last 12 months shall be retained on file.

(8) Length of aeration time for materials that are gas-sterilized.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 208(a) and 1275, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 1276, Health and Safety Code.

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