AB 242

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has promulgated rules relating to

the maintenance and use of oxygen equipment in nursing homes. Under the current

rules promulgated by DHS, cannulas, hoses, and humidifier bottles, when in use at

a nursing home resident's bedside, must be changed and sterilized at least every five

days. Disposable inhalation equipment must also be replaced every five days when

in use and must be presterilized and kept in contamination-proof containers until

used. Finally, under the current rules, with other inhalation equipment such as

intermittent positive pressure breathing equipment, the entire resident breathing

circuit, including nebulizers and humidifiers, must be changed daily. This bill

modifies the current rules regarding storage, sterilization, and the timing of

replacement to require instead that the equipment be maintained and used in

accordance with current standards of practice and manufacturers'

recommendations.