2612.1 In order to prevent against and provide for the control of infection, each maternity center shall be equipped with the following:

1. (a) Handwashing sinks in or adjacent to the birth rooms;
2. (b) Separate toilet facilities for patients and their families and maternity center personnel;
3. (c) Laundry facilities that are segregated as follows: an enclosed holding area with a handwashing sink to store soiled laundry, and a workroom with a handwashing sink to store and to hold clean laundry;
4. (d) A janitor's closet and a sink for maintenance use separate from laundry and toilet facilities;
5. (e) An enclosed area for the storage of clean supplies and equipment; and
6. (f) Sterilization equipment to sterilize all surgical instruments used in patient care.

2612.2 If a dishwasher is used, it shall have a sanitation cycle.

2612.3 There shall be a defined means of discarding waste products and materials, including medical waste. Soiled linen shall be laundered with a final rinse cycle of at least 160 degrees F, or an approved commercial laundry may be used.

2612.4 Materials that cannot be properly sterilized for re-use shall be disposed of after a single use.

SOURCE: Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 2779 (March 19, 1999); as amended by Corrected Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 46 DCR 3970 (April 30, 1999).