Rule 111-8-40-.17. Sterile Processing Services

Each hospital shall designate a sterile processing service area designated for the decontamination, cleaning, sterilizing of reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies.

1. (a) With the collaboration of the infection control program, the staff providing sterile processing services shall develop and implement standardized policies and procedures that conform to generally accepted standards of practice for:

   1. 1. Decontamination and cleaning of instruments and other items and description of reprocessing protocols for contaminated patient equipment;
   2. 2. Disinfecting and/or sterilizing equipment and other items;
   3. 3. Monitoring of the systems used for sterilization;
   4. 4. Procedures for ensuring the sterility of packaged instruments and supplies;
   5. 5. Recall of items; and
   6. 6. Mechanisms for protection of workers from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials and environmental hazards.
2. (b) The sterile processing service shall be staffed by qualified personnel.

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 31-7-2.1.

History. Original Rule entitled "Sterile Processing Services" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.