FRANKFORT, Ill. — The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) will open its accreditation standards for public comment June 1 to July 31.
The document — titled Accreditation Standards for Processing Reusable Textiles for Use in Healthcare Facilities — was first published in April 2006 and can be viewed and downloaded online at www.hlacnet.org.
All professionals who serve the healthcare market or use healthcare textiles are encouraged to comment on HLAC’s standards. All comments should be submitted online via the Council’s website.
The public comment period allows HLAC to continue to gather and integrate best practices, governmental regulations, infection control strategies and industry recommendations into its standards.
They were developed more than three years ago with input from a wide range of authorities — governmental agencies, industry trade associations, laundry owners and operators, users of healthcare textiles and others serving the healthcare industry.
They cover the complete textile processing cycle, from handling and transporting soiled healthcare textiles to in-plant processing and delivery to customers.
The standards also cover many basic considerations, such as facility layout, employee training, customer service, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
HLAC is an independent organization and the only industry group that inspects and accredits healthcare textile processors. It has accredited 66 laundries since April 2006.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].