WAC 246-324-190   Provisions for patients with tuberculosis.  A licensee providing inpatient services for patients with suspected or known infectious tuberculosis shall:

     (1) Design patient rooms with:

     (a) Ventilation to maintain a negative pressure condition in each patient room relative to adjacent spaces, except bath and toilet areas, with:

     (i) Air movement or exhaust from the patient room to the out-of-doors with the exhaust grille located over the head of the bed;

     (ii) Exhaust at the rate of six air changes per hour; and

     (iii) Make-up or supply air from adjacent ventilated spaces for four or less air changes per hour, and tempered outside air for two or more air changes per hour;

     (iv) Ultraviolet generator irradiation as follows:

     (A) Use of ultraviolet fluorescent fixtures with lamps emitting wave length of 253.7 nanometers;

     (B) The average reflected irradiance less than 0.2 microwatts per square centimeter in the room at the five foot level;

     (C) Wall-mount type of fixture installed over the head of the bed, as close to the ceiling as possible to irradiate the area of the exhaust grille and the ceiling; and

     (D) Lamps changed as recommended by the manufacturer; and

     (b) An adjoining bathroom and toilet room with bedpan washer; and

     (2) Provide discharge information to the health department of the patient's county of residence.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 71.12 RCW and RCW 43.60.040. 95-22-013, § 246-324-190, filed 10/20/95, effective 11/20/95.]