SNFs generate regulated medical waste (RMW), which typically includes:
- Sharps: Needles, scalpels, or anything that can puncture and has been used.
- Blood-Soaked Materials: Anything that’s heavily contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
- Pathological Waste: Tissues, body parts, or specimens from medical procedures.
- Contaminated PPE: Gloves, gowns, masks, and other gear exposed to infectious materials.
- Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired or unused medications, including hazardous drugs.
2. Key Federal Rules You Need to Follow
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard:
- Any waste that can spread infections—like sharps or bloody materials—must be placed in leak-proof, labeled, and puncture-resistant containers.
- Employees need training to handle and dispose of these materials safely.
EPA’s Hazardous Waste Rules:
- Hazardous pharmaceutical waste (like chemotherapy drugs or nicotine patches) needs to be properly labeled and disposed of through licensed vendors.
- Flushing medications down the drain is now prohibited under EPA’s rules.
DEA Regulations for Controlled Substances:
- For drugs like opioids or other controlled medications, disposal must follow strict guidelines to prevent misuse. Secure destruction, like incineration or reverse distribution, is required.
CMS (Medicare & Medicaid):
- Proper waste management is part of infection control standards that SNFs must meet to keep their Medicare/Medicaid certifications.
3. State and Local Rules Matter, Too
Each state has its own medical waste regulations, including how it’s stored, labeled, transported, and destroyed. For example:
- Some states require SNFs to have written waste management plans.
- Others set stricter rules on how long waste can be stored before it’s disposed of.
4. Best Practices for SNFs
To stay compliant and keep your facility safe, follow these steps:
- Separate Waste at the Source: Put sharps in puncture-resistant bins, pharmaceutical waste in clearly marked containers, and general medical waste in leak-proof bags.
- Train Your Staff: Regular training helps your team know exactly how to handle, label, and dispose of waste safely.
- Partner with a Licensed Medical Waste Vendor: Work with certified disposal companies to ensure waste is transported and treated according to the rules.
- Audit Regularly: Check your processes, containers, and documentation to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.