Section 250.1050  Equipment for Bedside Care

a)         There shall be sufficient equipment for patient care according to the types of patients accepted by the hospital and for emergency needs.

b)         Equipment used near patients and staff shall be adequately supported or secured and protected to avoid accident and injury.

c)         Precautions shall be taken in the use of equipment.  Policies and procedures shall be established accordingly.

d)         Specific Equipment

1)         Utensils:  There shall be a sufficient number of patient care utensils, wash basins, mouth wash cups, bedpans, emesis basins, urinals, and soap dishes.  Reusable utensils must be sterilized before reissue to another patient.  Disposable equipment shall be used for one patient.  There shall be no resterilization of disposable utensils.

2)         Thermometers:   

A)        There shall be a sufficient number of clinical thermometers to permit an individual thermometer for each patient.  An effective procedure for cleaning thermometers shall be followed.  (A laboratory tested procedure is recommended.)  When electronic thermometers are utilized there shall be a sufficient supply of probe cots for each patient to have their own.  After use, the probe cot shall be discarded.  The probe and cord shall be cleansed at intervals with an effective agent.

B)        A sufficient number of hypothermic or electronic thermometers capable of aiding in the diagnosis of hypothermia shall be available. The actual number of these types of thermometers for each hospital will depend on the numbers and needs of the patients of the hospital. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 111½, par. 147.07)

3)         Hot Water Bags:  When hot water bags are used, they shall be tested for leakage and covered before being placed in beds.  The temperature of the water should not exceed 110º F (55º C).

4)         Electrical Appliances and Equipment: Electrical equipment shall be inspected before use.  It shall be maintained in good repair under the provisions of a preventive maintenance program of the Engineering and Maintenance Services.  (Refer Subpart O.)

5)         Restraints:  Restraints shall be available and policies shall be established for their use.  (Policy shall reflect use of cloth and leather restraints.)  (See Section 250.2280(c).)

6)         Oxygen Equipment:  

A)        Oxygen apparatus shall be provided and maintained in good repair. Definite marked storage space shall be provided for oxygen equipment.

B)        Oxygen tanks in use at patient's bedside, or wherever located, shall be adequately secured to prevent movement or falling.

(Source:  Amended at 11 Ill. Reg. 10642, effective July 1, 1987)