Florida Administrative Code
59 - AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
59A - Health Facility and Agency Licensing
Chapter 59A-11 - BIRTH CENTER STANDARDS AND LICENSURE
Section 59A-11.023 - Physical Environment, Water Supply and Fire Safety

Universal Citation: FL Admin Code R 59A-11.023

Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024

(1) All birth centers shall comply with all design and construction standards for birth centers as required by the Florida Building Code.

(2) Laundry.

(a) Where laundry facilities are provided, clean clothing, bed linens, and towels shall be available for the clients.

(b) Carts used for transporting dirty clothes, linens, and towels shall not be used for transporting clean articles unless they have been thoroughly cleaned.

(c) If laundry facilities are not available, sheets and blankets shall be cleaned by commercial laundries.

(3) Bedding. Beds and beddings shall be kept in good repair, cleaned and sanitized whenever soiled. Mattresses and pillows shall have cleanable covers which shall be cleaned and sanitized between use by different clients. Clean sheets shall be used for each client. Blankets shall be washed or dry cleaned whenever soiled. Sheets, blankets, and clean clothing shall be stored in a clean, dry place between laundering and use.

(4) Insect and Rodent Control. All pesticides used to control insects or rodents shall be applied as required by the label directions for use and as required by Chapter 482, F.S.

(5) Poisonous or Toxic Substances. Poisonous or toxic compounds are to be stored apart from food and other areas that would constitute a hazard to the residents.

(6) Water Supply. Water supplies shall be adequate to serve the demands of the facility and shall be constructed, operated and maintained as required by Chapters 62-555 or 64E-8, F.A.C.

(7) Sewage Disposal.

(a) All sewage and liquid waste shall be disposed of in manners as required by Chapters 62-600 or 64E-6, F.A.C.

(8) Waste Disposal.

(a) All garbage, trash and rubbish from residential areas shall be collected daily and taken to storage facilities. Garbage shall be removed from storage frequently enough to prevent a potential hazard or at least twice per week. Wet garbage shall be collected and stored in impervious, leak proof, fly tight containers pending disposal. All containers, storage areas and surrounding premises shall be kept clean and free of vermin.

(b) If public or contract garbage collection service is available, the facility shall subscribe to these services unless the volume makes on-site disposal feasible. If garbage and trash are disposed of on premises, the method of disposal shall be operated in a manner as required by Chapter 62-701, F.A.C.

(9) Fire Control. Each birth center shall provide fire protection through the adoption of written fire control plans rehearsed four times a year by all personnel.

(a) To safeguard all clients, the birth center shall have:
1. Written evidence of regular inspection by local fire control agencies;

2. Annual check of fire extinguishers for type, replacement, and renewal dates.

Rulemaking Authority 383.309 FS. Law Implemented 383.308, 383.309 FS.

New 3-4-85, Formerly 10D-90.23, 10D-90.023, Amended 2-12-96, 9-17-96, 5-15-14.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Florida may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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