PLAINFIELD, IL - May 3, 2016 – The Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) has awarded its AHE Seal of Review and Recognition™ to the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) document, “Accreditation Standards for Processing Reusable Textiles for Use in Healthcare Facilities – 2016 Edition,” which covers the complete textile processing cycle for use in healthcare facilities.
The announcement follows a formal AHE technical review process by an advisory council comprised of leading authorities in the practice of environmental services and its related disciplines.
“We sought the AHE Seal of Review and Recognition to provide confirmation that HLAC’s accreditation process meets AHE’s practice guidance for excellence and quality,” said John Scherberger, board president of HLAC, a nonprofit organization that inspects and accredits laundries worldwide that process reusable textiles for hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.
“We’re gratified that our materials were reviewed for technical accuracy and evidence-based practice and compared well against AHE’s own practice guidance documents,” Scherberger said. “AHE’s seal provides HLAC-accredited laundries with the confidence that they’re meeting the stringent standards for excellence in safe patient care.”
The HLAC Accreditation Standards are established as the minimum acceptable practice for the preparation of hygienically clean, reusable healthcare textiles for patient care, implemented and executed by accredited laundry facilities processing reusable healthcare textiles. The document covers the complete textile processing cycle: from handling and transporting soiled healthcare textiles, to in-plant processing and delivery back to the customer. The document also covers many basic considerations, such as facility layout, personnel training and customer service. Special attention has been directed to OSHA required practices, including Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Standards. Part III addresses the surgical pack assembly room and its activities.