South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-16 - Minimum Standards for Licensing Hospitals and Institutional General Infirmaries
Sec2 61-16.1200 - PATIENT CARE AND SERVICES
Section 61-16.1208 - Central Supply

Universal Citation: SC Code Regs 61-16.1208

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024

A. The department head shall be qualified for the position by education, training and experience as determined by the hospital policies and procedures. (II)

B. The number of supervisory and other personnel shall be related to the scope of the services provided. (II)

C. There shall be written policies and procedures for the decontamination and sterilization activities performed in central supply and elsewhere in the hospital. These policies and procedures shall relate, but are not limited to the following:

1. The use of sterilization process monitors, including temperature and pressure recordings, and the use and frequency of appropriate chemical indicator and bacteriological spore tests for all sterilizers.

2. Designation of the shelf life for each hospital-wrapped and hospital-sterilized medical item and, to the maximum degree possible, for each commercially prepared item, by a specific expiration date that sets a limit on the number of days an item will be considered safe for use. When possible, load control numbers shall be used to designate the sterilization equipment used for each item, including the sterilization date and cycle.

D. A recognized method of checking sterilizer performance shall be used. A chemical indicator of some type should be included in the largest package of each load. Biological indicators (live bacterial spores) should be included in all steam and hot air sterilizers at least once per week or more often depending upon the degree of sterilizer usage. Gas sterilizers should employ such indicators on at least a weekly basis and preferably on a daily basis. Further, the gas sterilization of implants, prosthetic devices, etc., should be accompanied by a biological monitor in each load. Monthly checks shall be made to ensure the above, and a written report retained.

E. Adequate precautions shall be taken to ensure that sterile supplies and equipment are not mixed with unsterile material. Suitable space shall be provided for keeping equipment and supplies in a clean, convenient and orderly manner.

F. All packaged supplies and containers for solutions, drugs, medicated supplies, etc., shall be labeled so as to remain plainly legible before and after sterilization. Labels shall include at least the expiration date of the contents.

G. Outdated medical supplies, solutions, etc., shall be returned to central supply for resterilization or disposal.

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