Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 99 - Nursing Facilities
Subchapter B - Physical Environment
Section I-9925 - Linen and Laundry

A. The nursing facility shall have available, at all times, a quantity of bed and bath linen essential for proper care and comfort of residents.

B. All linen shall be in good condition.

C. All used linen shall be bagged or enclosed in appropriate containers for transportation to the laundry.

D. Soiled linen storage areas shall be ventilated to the outside atmosphere.

E. Linen from residents with a communicable disease shall be bagged, in readily identifiable containers distinguishable from other laundry, at the location where it was used.

F. Linen soiled with blood or body fluids shall be placed and transported in bags that prevent leakage.

G. If hot water is used, linen shall be washed with detergent in water at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. If low-temperature (less than or equal to 158 degrees Fahrenheit) laundry cycles are used, chemicals suitable for low-temperature washing, at proper use concentration, shall be used.

H. Clean linen shall be transported and stored in a manner to prevent its contamination.

I. Nursing facilities providing in-house laundry services shall have a laundry system designed to eliminate crossing of soiled and clean linen.

J. Nursing facilities that provide in house laundry services and/or household washers and dryers shall have policies and procedures to ensure safety standards, infection control standards and manufacturers guidelines are met.

K. There shall be hand washing facilities available for use in any designated laundry area.

L. Provisions shall be made for laundering personal clothing of residents.