Section 124.34. Patient care areas.

 

(1)   Nursing station or administrative center. Each nursing station or administrative center in patient care areas of the hospital may be located to serve more than one nursing unit, but at least one of these service areas shall be provided on each nursing floor. The station or center shall contain:

(a) Storage for records, manuals and administrative supplies; and

(b) An area for charting when the charts of patients are not maintained at patient rooms.

(2)   Staff toilet room. In new construction, a staff toilet room and washbasin shall be provided on each nursing unit.

(3)   Utility areas.

(a) A utility room for clean linen and other clean articles shall be readily accessible to each nursing unit. The room shall contain at least:

1. Storage facilities for supplies;

2. A handwashing sink; and

3. Work counters.

(b) A utility room for soiled linen and other soiled articles shall be readily accessible to each nursing unit. The room shall include at least:

1. A clinical sink or equivalent flush rim fixture;

2. A handwashing sink;

3. A work counter;

4. A waste receptacle; and

5. A linen receptacle.

(4)   Shower or bath. A shower shall be provided for every 10 maternity patients and a bath or shower for every 15 patients other than maternity patients.

(5)   Equipment and supplies storage. There shall be sufficient space in the patient care area for storage of equipment and supplies.

(6)   Corridors and passageways. Corridors and passageways in patient care areas shall be free of obstacles.

(7)   Housekeeping closet. A housekeeping closet shall be provided on the nursing unit or sufficient cleaning supplies and equipment shall be readily accessible to the nursing unit.

(8)   Patient call system. A reliable call mechanism shall be provided in locations where patients may be left unattended, including patient rooms, toilet and bathing areas and designated high risk treatment areas from which individuals may need to summon assistance.

Emerg. renum. from DHS 124.27 (8), eff. 7-1-96; renum. from DHS 124.27 (8), Register, December, 1996, No. 492 , eff. 1-1-97.