New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
He - Department of Health and Human Services
Subtitle He-P - Former Division of Public Health Services
Chapter He-P 800 - RESIDENTIAL CARE AND HEALTH FACILITY RULES
Part He-P 810 - BIRTHING CENTER RULES
Section He-P 810.21 - Sanitation

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 810.21

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) The birthing center shall have and maintain a source of potable water available for human consumption.

(b) All furniture, floors, ceilings, walls, and fixtures shall be kept clean, sanitary, and in good repair at all times.

(c) All client bathrooms shall have non-porous floors.

(d) A supply of hot and cold running water shall be available at all times and precautions such as temperature regulation shall be taken to prevent a scalding injury to the client.

(e) Birthing center personnel shall clean and disinfect bedpans, commodes, basins, fixtures, toilets, and showers or tubs after each use.

(f) If equipment or supplies need to be sterilized in order to prevent contamination, the birthing center shall develop and maintain written procedures for cleaning, packaging, and sterilizing, including:

(1) Testing and documenting the sterilization processes used; and

(2) Documentation when supplies are outdated.

(g) The sterilization system required in (f) above shall be checked for effective sterilization in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation, and the results of these quality control tests shall be documented and available on site for review by the department.

(h) Sterile supplies and equipment shall:

(1) Be stored in dust-proof, moisture-free storage areas; and

(2) Not be mixed with non-sterile supplies.

(i) Cleaning solutions, compounds, and substances that might be considered toxic or defined as hazardous waste, in accordance with RSA 147-A:2 VII, shall be kept in an enclosed area and be:

(1) Distinctly labeled and legibly marked so as to identify the contents; and

(2) Stored in a place separate from food, medications and client supplies.

(j) Toxic materials shall not be used in a way that contaminates food, equipment, or utensils, or in any way other than in full compliance with the manufacturer's labeling.

(k) In-house trash and garbage receptacles shall be insect and rodent proof, water tight, lined or cleaned, and disinfected after emptying and kept covered except when in use.

(l) Trash receptacles for paper waste may be kept uncovered in all areas except food service areas.

(m) There shall be a designated work area for soiled materials and linens that contains a work counter of at least 6 linear feet, a sink, and a storage area.

(n) A supply of clean linens shall be stored in a clean area separated from soiled linens and available in sufficient amounts to meet the needs of the clients.

(o) Soiled materials, linens, and clothing shall be handled as little as possible and transported in a laundry bag, sack, or a covered container.

(p) Soiled linens and clothing, which would be considered contaminated with infectious waste shall be handled as infectious waste.

(q) Laundry rooms shall have non-porous floors and be kept separate from the kitchen and eating areas

#8957, eff 7-27-07

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