SECTION 310:641-17-12. Sanitation requirements

(a)   The following shall apply regarding sanitation standards for all stretcher van services facilities, vehicles, and personnel:

(1)   the interior of the vehicle and the equipment within the vehicle shall be sanitary and maintained in good working order at all times;

(2)   the exterior of the vehicle shall be clean and maintained in good working order to ensure the vehicle can operate safely and in accordance with applicable sections of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes;

(3)   linen shall be changed after each passenger is transported, and the used linen will be bagged and stored in an outside or separate compartment;

(4)   clean linen, blankets, washcloths, and hand-towels shall be stored in a closed interior cabinet free of dirt and debris;

(5)   freshly laundered linen or disposable linen shall be used on the cots and pillows and changed between passenger;

(6)   pillows and mattresses shall be kept clean and in good repair and any repairs made to pillows, mattresses, and padded seats shall be permanent;

(7)   soiled linen shall be placed in a container that deters accidental exposure. Any linen which is suspected of being contaminated with bodily fluids or other potentially hazardous infectious waste shall be placed in an appropriately marked closed container for disposal;

(8)   contaminated disposable supplies shall be placed in appropriately marked or designated containers in a manner that deters accidental exposure.

(9)   exterior and interior surfaces of vehicles shall be cleaned routinely;

(10)   blankets and hand towels used in any vehicle shall be clean;

(11)   when a vehicle has been utilized to transport a passenger(s) known to the operator to have a communicable disease, the vehicle shall be cleansed and all contact surfaces shall be washed with soap and water and appropriate disinfectant. The vehicle should be placed "out of service" until a thorough cleansing is conducted;

(12)   all storage spaces used for storage of linens, equipment, medical supplies and other supplies at the base station shall be kept clean;

(13)   personnel shall:

(A)   be clean, especially hands and fingernails, and well groomed;

(B)   clothing worn by personnel shall be clean;

(C)   while on duty, employees shall wear an identifiable uniform or agency specific photo identification;

(D)   The licensee shall provide in each vehicle a means of hand washing for the attendants;

(14)   expired supplies and equipment shall be discarded appropriately. Tampering, removing, or altering expiration dates on medications, supplies, and equipment is prohibited; and

(15)   the station facility, ambulance bays, living quarters, and office areas shall be clean, orderly, and free of safety and health hazards.

(b)   Stretcher van vehicles and service facilities shall be free of any evidence of use of lighted or smokeless tobacco products except in designated smoking areas consistent with the provisions of 310:641-1-4 (c).

[Source: Added at 33 Ok Reg 1529, eff 9-11-16; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1423, eff 9-11-20]