The Accreditation Standards for Processing Reusable Textiles for use in Healthcare Facilities, 2011 Edition, cover the complete textile processing cycle, from handling and transporting soiled healthcare textiles, to in-plant processing and delivery back to the customer. The Standards also cover many basic considerations, such as facility layout, personnel training, and customer service. Special attention has been directed to OSHA required practices, including Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Standards. A Part III has been added to the Standards, addressing the surgical pack assembly room and its activities. This section is based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) reference regarding reusable surgical textiles processing.
The 2011 Standards are available for download. Please note the effective date of the 2011 Standards is January 1, 2012. All inspections beginning January 1, 2012 will be based on the 2011 Standards. No exceptions.
