Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22, § 79837 - Preparation of Sterile Supplies and Equipment

(a) The processing and sterilizing of equipment and supplies shall be under the supervision of a person who has knowledge of principles of cleaning, sterilizing and infection control as evidenced by training and experience.

(b) Policies and procedures shall be developed, maintained and implemented on the proper decontamination, disinfection and sterilization of equipment and supplies. Procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Proper techniques for utilization of the sterilization equipment, including the loading and unloading of equipment and supplies.

(2) Establishing the proper parameters for sterilization, e.g., temperature, pressure and period of exposure for steam sterilization.

(3) Length of aeration period of gas sterilized items.

(4) Packaging, labeling and dating of sterilized items, including date of sterilization and expiration of safe shelf life.

(5) A recall system including quarantine periods and procedures to be implemented in the event of a recall.

(c) The efficacy of the sterilization process shall be verified at least weekly by the use of appropriate biological indicators. All sterilized items shall be provided with appropriate physical indicators to verify that they have been exposed to the sterilization process. For gas sterilizers, a biological test shall be incorporated into each sterilizing cycle.

(d) Each sterilizer shall be identifiable to facilitate any necessary recall actions.

(e) Where appropriate, records shall be made of relevant sterilization parameters to confirm the adequacy of each sterilization cycle, and the records shall be retained for at least three years.

(f) Sterilizers shall be maintained in proper operating condition. A sterilizer no longer in use shall be conspicuously labeled as nonoperational and disconnected from steam or gas lines.

(g) If sterilized equipment and/or supplies are obtained from an outside source, the correctional treatment center shall assure that the provider meets the same or comparable standards as set forth in this regulation.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22, § 79837

1. New section filed 6-10-94; operative 1-1-96 pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1250 (Register 94, No. 23).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 208(a) and 1267.10(a), Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1250(j) and 1254, Health and Safety Code.

1. New section filed 6-10-94; operative 1-1-96 pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1250 (Register 94, No. 23).