SECTION 509.56. Sanitary Conditions and Hygienic Practices

(a) General infection control measures. Universal precautions shall be followed in the facility for all patient care activities in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29 §1910.1030(d)(1) - (3) (relating to Bloodborne Pathogens) and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 85, Subchapter I (relating to Prevention of Transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B Virus by Infected Health Care Workers).

(b) Physical environment.

(1) A facility shall develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures to provide and actively monitor a safe, functional, comfortable, and sanitary environment that minimizes or prevents transmission of infectious diseases for all patients and visitors and the public.

(2) Blood spills shall be cleaned immediately or as soon as is practical with a disposable cloth and an appropriate chemical disinfectant.

(A) If a commercial liquid chemical disinfectant is used, the surface shall be subjected to intermediate-level disinfection in accordance with the manufacturer's directions for use.

(B) If a solution of chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is used, the solution shall be at least 1:100 sodium hypochlorite and mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's directions for use. The surface to be treated shall be compatible with this type of chemical treatment.

(C) The facility shall use dedicated cleaning supplies (i.e., mop, bucket) for cleaning blood spills.

Source Note: The provisions of this §509.56 adopted to be effective December 4, 2023, 48 TexReg 7064