Section 390.2230  Sterilization of Supplies and Equipment

a)         Every facility shall have and follow an acceptable plan to provide for sterile equipment and supplies, such as needles, syringes, catheters, and dressings. There shall be an autoclave available for sterilizing this type of equipment and supplies. The autoclave should be located in a central sterilization area, clean utility area, or nurses' station. An autoclave will not be required in a facility when other acceptable arrangements have been made, such as: (A, B)

1)         Use of individually wrapped sterile dressings, disposable syringes, needles, catheters, and gloves.

2)         Formal plan with another facility for the autoclaving of equipment and supplies.

3)         Other alternative methods when approved on an individual basis in writing from the Department based on a written request from the facility giving in detail the method proposed to be used and which method meets acceptable criteria for proper sterilization for these items to be sterilized.

b)         Every facility shall sanitize bed pans, urinals, wash basins, emesis basins, enema equipment, and similar patient care utensils as follows:

1)         Individual bed pans, urinals, wash basins, and similar equipment shall be washed and rinsed after each use, and be sanitized at least weekly. If individual equipment is not provided, the equipment shall washed, rinsed, and be sanitized after each use. (B)

2)         Utensils shall be pre-flushed prior to washing. Utensils shall be washed in a hot detergent solution that is maintained clean. After washing, utensils shall be rinsed free of detergents with clean water.

3)         Utensils shall be sanitized, either mechanically or manually, through the use of steam, hot water, or chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and formulated for the sanitization of patient care utensils. Chemical sanitizers shall be used in accordance with label instructions.

4)         Patient care utensil sanitization shall be completed in the soiled utility room. (B)

(Source: Amended at 13 Ill. Reg. 6301, effective April 17, 1989)