64B1-8.002. Office Hygiene, Sterilization, Monitoring, and Infection Control

(1) An acupuncture office shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner, as consistent with rule chapter 64B1-8.

(2) Sterilization of equipment other than acupuncture needles, when the equipment has penetrated tissue or has been exposed to blood, shall be accomplished by proper autoclaving according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the autoclave.

(3)(a) A sterilization indicator shall be used with each autoclaving to monitor the sterilization procedure.

(b) Strips must indicate both exposure to steam and 250º F.

(4) All sterilized items must be stored and handled in a manner which maintains sterility.

(5) Each acupuncture office utilizing autoclave sterilization techniques shall post the sterilization procedures and shall maintain documentation of all autoclave service.

(6) It shall be the responsibility of the Acupuncturist to insure that personnel responsible for performing sterilization procedures pursuant to this rule shall be adequately trained.

(7) The procedures and equipment used for sterilization must have their efficacy tested periodically. Adequacy of steam under pressure (e.g., autoclave) must have its efficacy verified by appropriate biological monitoring at least once every 40 hours (2400 minutes) of use or at least once every thirty days, whichever comes first.

Rulemaking Authority 457.104, 457.1085 FS. Law Implemented 457.1085 FS. History–New 5-6-87, Amended 12-23-87, 6-7-89, 11-13-89, Formerly 21AA-8.002, 61F1-8.002, Amended 2-22-96, Formerly 59M-8.002, Amended 2-26-01, 8-17-11, 6-26-24.