Code of Massachusetts Regulations
105 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Title 105 CMR 150.000 - Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities
Section 150.016 - Environmental Health and Housekeeping

(1) Suitable sanitary procedures and equipment shall be provided for the collection, storage and disposal of all wastes and garbage.

(2) All accumulated soiled dressings, that do not meet the definition of infectious or physically dangerous medical or biological waste as set forth in 105 CMR 180.000: State Sanitary Code, Chapter VIII, and other wastes, and all garbage not disposed of by mechanical means shall be stored, both indoors and out-of-doors, in sanitary, rodent-proof, leak-proof, fire-proof, non-absorbent, watertight containers with tight-fitting covers.

(3) Wastes and garbage shall be stored and disposed of at proper intervals in a manner to prevent fire hazard, contamination, transmission of disease, a nuisance, a breeding place for flies and insects, or feeding place for rodents.

(4) Garbage and wastes shall be stored in areas separate from those used for the preparation, storage and service of food.

(5) Equipment for proper cleaning and disinfection of these containers each time they are emptied during all seasons shall be provided.

(1) All facilities shall provide appropriate procedures, staff and equipment to assure sufficient clean linen supplies and the proper sanitary washing and handling of linen and the personal laundry of residents.

(2) Handling of Soiled Linen and Laundry.

(3) Handling of Clean Linen.

(4) Laundry personnel shall be appropriately uniformed and adequate storage space shall be provided for the storage of their street clothing.

(1) All facilities shall provide sufficient housekeeping and maintenance personnel to maintain the interior of the facility in good repair and in a safe, clean, orderly, attractive and sanitary manner free from all accumulation of dirt, rubbish and objectionable odors.

(2) Nursing, dietary, and other personnel providing resident care shall not be assigned housekeeping duties.

(3) A separate janitor's closet and housekeeping equipment shall be provided for each floor. Janitor's and housekeeping closets shall be separate from, and shall not open off, utility rooms or toilets.

(4) All housekeeping and maintenance equipment shall be provided and stored in janitors' closets or other suitable storage areas; they shall never be stored in lavatories, bathrooms, utility rooms, halls or stairs. In facilities providing Level I, II or III care, the janitors closet shall be adequately lighted and ventilated and shall contain slop sink or floor receptor with hot and cold running water.

(5) Housekeeping equipment and cleaning supplies shall include an adequate supply of wet and dry mops (improvised mops are not permitted), mop pails, brushes, brooms, at least one vacuum cleaner, cleaning cloths and other cleaning supplies.

(6) Housekeeping and maintenance equipment shall be kept clean, in good condition and maintained in a sanitary manner. Wet mops, dusters and cleaning cloths shall be laundered daily, dry mops twice a week.

(7) Floors, walls and ceilings shall be cleaned regularly; halls and ceilings shall be maintained free from cracks and falling plaster.

(8) Deodorizers shall not be used to cover up odors caused by unsanitary conditions or poor housekeeping.

(9) Storage areas, attics and cellars shall be kept safe and free from accumulations of extraneous materials such as refuse, furniture and old newspapers or other paper goods. Combustibles such as cleaning rags and compounds shall be kept in closed metal containers including those used in residents activities.

(10) The grounds shall be kept free from refuse and litter, and areas around buildings, sidewalks, gardens and patios kept clear of dense undergrowth, snow and ice.

(11) A pest control program shall be provided by maintenance personnel of the facility or by contract with a pest control company. Insecticides and rodenticides shall be stored in non-resident and non-food service and storage areas.

(12) Windows and doors shall be properly screened during the insect breeding season, and harborages and entrances for insects shall be eliminated.

(13) All windows, including combination windows, shall be washed inside and outside at least twice a year.

(1) Pets or other types of animals shall not be allowed in areas used for preparation, serving or storage of food; laundries or rehabilitation services units.

(2) All pets shall be adequately fed, sheltered and maintained in a sanitary manner.

(3) An ADA qualified service animal is permitted in rehabilitation service units.