New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 370 - OVERSIGHT OF LICENSED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY BASED WAIVER PROGRAMS
Part 17 - REQUIREMENTS FOR FREESTANDING BIRTH CENTERS
Section 8.370.17.39 - MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

(1) Floor material shall be readily cleanable and wear resistant.

(2) In all areas subject to wet cleaning, floor materials shall not be physically affected by liquid germicidal or cleaning solution.

(3) Floors subject to traffic while wet including showers and bath areas shall have a slip resistant surface.

(4) Wall finishes shall be washable and in the proximity of plumbing fixtures, shall be smooth and moisture resistant.

(5) In areas subject to wet cleaning, the intersection of the floor and wall shall be sealed with a coved base or a wood bases tightly sealed connection without voids.

(6) Floor and wall areas penetrated by pipes, ducts and conduits shall be tightly sealed to minimize entry of rodents and insects. Joints of structural elements shall be similarly sealed.

(7) Threshold and expansion joint covers shall be flush with the floor surface to facilitate use of wheelchairs and carts.

(1) insure that if the water is obtained from a private water system and not a publicly approved system, the water supply is inspected, tested and approved by the New Mexico environment department or appropriate authority prior to licensure; the facility shall be responsible for insuring that subsequent periodic testing and inspection of any private water systems is made at intervals prescribed by the New Mexico environment department or the legally responsible authority which oversees or inspects, tests, and approves the specific system;

(2) provide hot water at each hot water outlet at all times with hot water for hand washing facilities, tubs and showers not exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the delivery point.

(1) Must be able to supply hot water to all hot water taps within the facility at full pressure during peak demand periods and maintain a maximum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

(2) Must be enclosed and separated from other parts of the building premises by construction as required by applicable state and local building codes, if using fired fuel.

(3) Must be equipped with an operable pressure relief valve (pop-off-valve) which is tested on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

(1) If the facility sewage and liquid waste system is not part of an approved public system, the private sewage system must be inspected, tested and approved by the New Mexico environment department prior to licensure. The facility shall be responsible to insure that periodic testing or inspection of its private sewage disposal systems is made as required by the New Mexico environment department or the legally responsible authority which oversee or inspects the specific system.

(2) If municipal or community garbage collection and disposal services are not available, the method of collection and disposal of the facility's solid waste must be inspected and approved by the New Mexico environment department or the legally responsible authority which oversee or inspects the specific system.

(3) All external garbage and refuse receptacles must be kept clean, durable, have tight fitting lids, must be insect, rodent and animal proof, washable, leak proof, and constructed of materials which will not absorb liquids.

(1) A separate lockable storage area or closet for environmental cleaning supplies.

(2) Proper disposal of all liquids and waste resulting from cleaning contaminated areas.

(3) Proper procedures shall be maintained, and techniques used, consistent with the facility's policies and procedures and applicable regulations for disposal of bio-waste and sanitary disposal of all other wastes.

(1) The facility must be kept clean and free from offensive odors and accumulations of dirt, rubbish, dust, and safety hazards.

(2) Deodorizers must not be used to mask odors caused by unsanitary conditions or poor housekeeping practices.

(3) Safe and effective procedures for cleaning and sanitizing all facility areas and equipment shall be followed consistently to safeguard the health of the clients, staff, and visitors.