WAC 246-335-225   Food preparation.  (1) A hospice care center applicant or licensee must:

     (a) Locate food preparation areas to prevent objectionable heat, noise and odors to patient rooms;

     (b) Provide a nourishment center for use by patients and family with:

     (i) A refrigerator capable of maintaining 45°F or less;

     (ii) A two-compartment sink;

     (iii) A range with exhaust hood and/or microwave;

     (iv) Work surfaces;

     (v) Storage for single service utensils and food items;

     (vi) Soap and paper towel dispensers or equivalent;

     (vii) Space for waste containers; and

     (viii) A self-dispensing ice machine (if not provided elsewhere in the hospice care center);

     (2) The following requirements only apply if the hospice care center is planning to prepare meals and snacks for patients on-site:

     (a) When primarily preparing individual meals or snacks for patients, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1) of this section, the nourishment center must include:

     (i) A separate refrigerator for patients' food items capable of maintaining 45°F or less;

     (ii) Separate storage for patient food items, cooking and eating utensils;

     (iii) A handwash sink; and

     (iv) A domestic dishwasher with a continuous supply of 155°F of water;

     (b) When primarily preparing meals for fifteen or fewer patients at a time, the kitchen for preparation of patient meals and snacks must comply with chapter 246-215 WAC, Food sanitation, except, the hospice care center may use domestic or home type kitchen appliances including mechanical dishwashers, provided the licensee:

     (i) Operates the appliances according to manufacturer's direction; and

     (ii) Provides a continuous supply of water maintained at 155°F or more to the dishwasher(s); and

     (c) When primarily preparing meals for sixteen or more patients at a time, the kitchen for preparation of patient meals and snacks must comply with chapter 246-215 WAC, Food sanitation.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.127 RCW. 02-18-026, § 246-335-225, filed 8/23/02, effective 10/1/02.]