15A NCAC 18A .1318. MISCELLANEOUS

(a)  Suitable rooms or spaces shall be provided for the storage of all necessary equipment, furniture and supplies, and kept clean.  All patient care or consumable items shall be stored at least eight inches above the floor to prevent water contamination from cleaning floors and shall not be stored below exposed sewer lines. 

(b)  Mop receptors or sinks shall be provided and used for the cleaning of mops and the disposal of mop water.  Other plumbing fixtures shall not be used for these purposes.

(c)  Medication carts shall be cleaned when visibly soiled.  Food and utensils used on medication carts shall be handled in a sanitary manner. Unused medication cups shall be kept covered or inverted.  Sharps containers on medication carts shall be affixed or secured to prevent spillage.

(d)  Feeding syringes which are reused shall be labeled with the patient's name and date opened, shall be disassembled and rinsed after each use, and shall be disposed of within 24 hours of first use.  Tube feeding bags shall be changed within the time period specified by the manufacturer.  Oral suction catheters which are reused shall be flushed after each use and shall be disposed of within 24 hours of first use.  Feeding syringes and oral suction catheters shall be stored in a clean container.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A‑235;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. December 5, 1977;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2003 (see S.L. 2002-160).