Regulatory Update: CMS Issues Clarification of F Tag 441 - Laundry and Infection Control
by Kirk Huslage, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.P.H., C.I.C.
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| Credit: Reuters |
On January 25, 2013, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo notifying State
Survey Agencies of a change. The memo addressed
laundry detergents with and without antimicrobial claims, use of chlorine
bleach rinses, water temperatures during the process of washing laundry,
maintenance of laundry equipment and items, and ozone laundry cleaning
systems. The summary of changes is as
follows:
- Laundry
Detergents – New laundry detergents are more effective at removing soil and
reducing the presence of microbes. CMS
has determined that facilities may use any detergent designated for laundry in
laundry processing, and are not required to have antimicrobial claims. Facilities should follow manufacturers’ Instructions for Use (IFUs)
- Water
Temperatures and Chlorine Bleach Rinses - Laundry processing within
facilities occurs at a lower temperature, and many laundry items are made of
bleach incompatible materials. Chlorine
bleach rinse is not required for all laundry items processed in low temperature
washing environments due to improvements in detergents in producing
hygienically clean laundry without bleach.
Chlorine bleach rinse may still be used for items composed of materials
like cotton. Hot water washing at
temperatures ≥160°F for 25 minutes and low temperature washing at 71-77°F with
a 125 ppm chlorine bleach rinse remain effective ways to process laundry. For facilities using hot water (≥160°F), the
temperature must be maintained for 25 minutes.
- Maintenance
of Equipment and Laundry Items - Facilities do not have to maintain a
record of water temperatures during laundry processing cycles. Facilities should leave washing machines open
to air when not in use to prevent microbial growth. Facilities must follow manufactures’ IFUs for
all laundry processing items (e.g., washing machines, dryers, detergents, and
other additives), and for all clothing, linens, and other laundry items to determine
the appropriate method for producing hygienically clean products.
- Ozone
Cleaning – Ozone systems are relatively new, but have been determined by
CMS and CDC to be acceptable methods for processing laundry. Facilities utilizing this processing method
must follow manufacturer’s IFUs, and have an agreement between the laundry
service and facility that laundry will be hygienically clean and handled in a
way to prevent re-contamination during loading and transport.
