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Amok AMIN. S i%VTE OF CALIFORNIA — HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY GRAY DAVIS, Govemor DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM 1800 THIRD STREET, SUITE 210 SACRAMENTO, CA 54234-7320 (916) 445-3054 February 6, 2001 TO: Infection Control Practitioners General Acute Care Hospitals Acute Psychiatric Hospitals Correctional Treatment Facilities SUBJECT: Laundry Wash Water Temperatures The Department of Health Services (DHS), Licensing and Certification Program has, over the past several years, received requests to amend the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 Sections 70825(a)(4), 71629(a)(4) and 79816(a)(4)(A). These regulations require that soiled linens be exposed to wash water temperatures of 710 C (160° F). Exceptions to Sections 71629 (a)(4) and 79816 (a)(4)(A) allow for a tower temperature (60° C, 140° F) if the linen is subsequently passed through a flatwork ironer at 110 feet per minute at a temperature of 300° F or a tumble dryer at a temperature of 180° F. There are no Title 22 laundry wash water temperature regulations for Skilled Nursing Facilities, intermediate care Facilities or other types of health facilities licensed in this state. Because of recent new technology and new product formulations there is good evidence that lower wash water temperature cycles are just as effective as hot water in rendering soiled linen hygienically sanitized. Effective the date of this letter DHS, Licensing and Certification will issue program flexibility for water temperatures to all healthcare facilities. Program flexibility is contingent on compliance with following infection control recommendations: 1. The product or technology used to wash soiled healthcare facility linen specifically requires lower (any temperature below 710 F) water temperatures. 2. The infection control committee approves and periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the product or technology. 3. Contingency plans are developed for the use water temperatures of at least 140° F when the product is not available or when the technology is disrupted.