CMS SOM App. H, Tag V121

laws and accepted public health procedures, for the—

(i) Handling, storage and disposal of potentially infectious waste; and

Interpretive Guidance § 494.30(a)(4)(i)

Potentially infectious waste and soiled laundry should be removed from the patient treatment

area throughout the day as the containers are filled in order to maintain an environment that

enhances safe patient care. All disposable items should be placed in bags thick enough to

prevent leakage.

Any waste contaminated with blood should be considered “infectious” and handled according to

local, State, and Federal regulations governing medical waste disposal.

To help reduce the risk of injury or infection from sharps, the FDA recommends that healthcare

facilities use FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers for the disposal of used needles and other

sharps. FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers are made from rigid, puncture-resistant plastic

or metal with leak-resistant sides and bottoms, and a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid with an

opening that accommodates depositing a sharp object but is not large enough for a hand to

enter. For information on sharps disposal at healthcare facilities, see "Sharps Disposal

Containers in Health Care Facilities."

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Biohazard waste containers should be clearly labeled and sealed when they are full. They should

also be stored in an area protected from casual access and contamination of the water supply.