CHAPTER XX	AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER
The regulations promulgated below incorporate by reference (as indicated within) material originally published elsewhere. Such incorporation, however, excludes later amendments to or editions of the referenced material. Pursuant to section 24-4-103 (12.5), C.R.S., 1988 Repl. Vol. 10A, the Health Facilities Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains copies of the incorporated texts in their entirety which shall be available for public inspection during regular business hours at:
Director, Health Facilities Division
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment HFD-A2
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, Colorado 80222-1530
Certified copies of incorporated material shall be provided by the Division, at cost, upon request, and may be examined at any state publications depository library.
DEFINITIONS: 
A.	Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) means a facility which operates exclusively for the purpose of providing surgical services to patients not requiring hospitalization.
1.	Offering multiple health services in the same building does not preclude or exempt a facility from meeting the requirements of Chapter XX. The building space constituting the ambulatory surgical center must be used exclusively for ambulatory surgery and its directly related services. The other health services being offered in the same building must be physically separated from the ambulatory surgical center.
2.	The term “ambulatory surgical center” does not include:
A.	a facility that is licensed as part of a hospital, or;
B.	a facility which is used as an office or clinic for the private practice of a physician(s), podiatrist(s), or dentist(s) except when:
1)	it holds itself out to the public or other health care providers as an ambulatory surgical center, surgical center, surgicenter or similar facility using a similar name or variation thereof, or;
2)	it is operated or used by a person or entity different than the physician(s), podiatrists(s), or dentist(s), or;
3)	patients are charged a fee for use of the facility in addition to the physician(s), podiatrist(s), or dentist(s) professional services; unless such fees are an integrated part of the office-based surgery program incentive allowance of a licensed sickness and accident insurer, a non-profit hospital, medical-surgical and health service corporation, or a health maintenance organization and the program incentive occurs in a setting that does not require licensure.
3.	A licensed hospital provider of ambulatory surgical services may use the term “ambulatory surgery” or a similar term to indicate that ambulatory surgical services or an ambulatory surgery or surgical department is available or housed within the hospital as part of the facility's services. Such hospital shall not indicate to the public nor hold itself out to the public as an ambulatory surgical center (free standing or otherwise) unless the hospital entity actually possesses such a license.
B.	“Plan Review” means the review by the Department, or its designee, of new construction or remodeling plans to ensure compliance by the facility with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code and with this Chapter XX.  Plan review consists of the examination of new construction or remodeling plans and onsite inspections, where warranted.  In reference to the National Fire Protection Association requirements, the Department is the authority having jurisdiction for state licensure.
I.	LICENSE
An ambulatory surgical center shall meet all of the requirements specified in chapter II and this Chapter XX of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Standards for Hospitals and Health Facilities.
A.	An ambulatory surgical center shall be in compliance with all other applicable state, local, and federal laws.
II.	GOVERNING BODY
A.	Responsibility; The Governing Body shall provide facilities, personnel, and services necessary for the welfare and safety of the patients.
B.	Duties: The Governing Body shall:
1.	adopt by-laws in accordance with legal requirements;
2.	meet regularly and maintain accurate records of such meetings;
3.	appoint committees consistent with the needs of surgical center;
4.	appoint and delineate clinical and surgical privileges of practitioners based upon recommendations by the provider staff and other appropriate indicators of physician and other licensed practitioner competence;
5.	establish a formal means of liaison with the provider staff;
6.	approve by-laws, rules and regulations of the provider staff;
7.	adopt appropriate policies on admissions, surgical procedures, and the timely completion of medical records;
8.	conduct, with the active participation of the provider staff, an ongoing, comprehensive salt-assessment of the quality of care provided, including the medical necessity of procedures performed, the appropriateness of care, and the appropriateness of utilization. This information shall provide a basis for the revision of facility policies and the granting or continuation of clinical privileges;
9.	require that the facility's Quality Assurance Program ensure the adequate investigation, control and prevention of infections;
III.	ADMINISTRATOR
A.	Responsibility: The administrator shall be the official representative of the governing body and the chief executive officer of the surgical center. The administrator shall be delegated responsibility and authority in writing by the governing body for the management of the surgical center end shall provide liaison among the governing body, provider staff and other departments of the surgical center.
B.	Duties: The administrator shall be responsible for the development of surgical center policies and procedures for employee and provider staff use. All policies and procedures shall be reviewed and/or updated as necessary but at least annually.
IV.	PROVIDER STAFF
A.	Organization: The ambulatory surgical center shall have an organized provider staff.
1.	The governing body shall appoint a member of the provider staff to act as medical director for the ambulatory surgical center. The medical director shall have the responsibility for directing the provision of services and for monitoring the quality of all medical care and services provided patients in the facility.
B.	Duties: The provider staff or a delegated committee shall:
1.	be responsible for the quality of all medical care provided patients in the facility;
2.	hold meetings regularly and maintain accurate records of such meetings;
3.	formulate, adopt, and enforce by-laws, rules, regulations and policies for the proper conduct of its activities and credentialing of its members;
4.	recommend staff privileges to the Governing Body;
5.	insure professionally ethical conduct on the part of all members of the provider staff and initiate corrective measures as required;
6.	establish a formal liaison with the governing body;
7.	participate actively in the quality assurance program;
8.	recommend admission and surgical procedure policies to the Governing Body;
V.	MEDICAL RECORDS
A.	Facilities: The center shall provide sufficient space and equipment for the processing and the safe storage of records. The facility shall maintain an individual record for each patient admitted.
B.	Personnel: A person knowledgeable in the management of Medical Records shall be responsible for the proper administration and functioning of the medical records section.
C.	Security: Medical records shall be protected from loss, damage and unauthorized use.
D.	Preservation: With the exception of medical records of minors (individuals under the age of 18 years) medical records shall be preserved as original records, on microfilm, or other technologically appropriate medium as administratively determined by the department for no less than ten years after the most recent patient care usage, after which time records may be destroyed at the discretion of the facility. Accessibility of records to the department to assure compliance and to patients or their legal representatives shall be maintained.
1.	Medical records of minors shall be preserved for the period of minority plus 10 years (i.e., 28 years less age of minor at time of most recent patient care usage of the medical record);
2.	Facilities shall establish procedures for notification to patients whose records are to be destroyed prior to the destruction of such records;
3.	The sole responsibility for the destruction of all medical records shall be in the facility involved but in no case shall records be destroyed prior to consultation with legal counsel;
4.	Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the requirements for the destruction of public records as set out in Part 1 of Article 80 of Title 24, C.R.S. 1973.
5.	Actual x-ray films, scans, and other imaging records shall be maintained by the facility for a period of five years, if services are provided directly.
E.	Content: The medical records shall contain sufficient accurate information to justify the diagnosis and warrant the treatment and end results including, but not limited to:
1.	complete patient identification and a unique identification number;
2.	admission and discharge dates;
3.	chief complaint and admission diagnosis;
4.	medical history and physical examination completed prior to surgery;
5.	diagnostic tests, laboratory, x-ray, scans, and other radiological imaging reports and consultative findings when appropriate;
6.	physician progress notes if appropriate;
7.	properly executed informed consent;
8.	a pre-anesthesia examination by a physician prior to surgery, a proper anesthesia record and a post-anesthesia follow-up;
9.	e complete detailed description of operative procedures, findings and post-operative diagnosis recorded and signed by the attending surgeon;
10.	a pathology report of tissue removed during surgery in accordance with facility policies;
11.	all medication and treatment orders in writing and signed by the authorizing party. Telephone and verbal orders are designated as such, signed and dated by a legally designated person, and countersigned by the attending provider within a clearly designated time period established by the medical director; and
12.	patient's condition on discharge, final diagnosis, and instructions given patient for follow-up care;
F.	Other records: The facility shall maintain:
1.	a register of all operations performed (entered daily);
2.	statistical information concerning all admissions, discharges, deaths and other information such as blood usage, surgery complications, etc, required for the effective administration of the facility
3.	master patient index file.
G.	Nursing Records: Standard nursing practice and procedure shall be followed in the recording of medications and treatments, including operative and post-operative notes. Nursing notes shall include notation of the instructions given patients preoperatively and at the time of discharge. All nursing notes shall be entered as part of the patient's medical record. Entries shall be appropriately signed, including name and identifying title.
H.	Entries: All orders for diagnostic procedures, treatments, and medications shall be signed by the physician submitting them and entered in the medical record by technologically appropriate medium as administratively determined by the department. Authentication may be by written signature, identifiable initials or computer key. The use of rubber stamp signatures is acceptable under the following strict conditions:
1.	the physician whose signature the rubber stamp represents is the only one who has possession of the stamp and is the only one who uses it; and
2.	the physician places in the administrative offices of the hospital a signed statement to the effect that he is the only one who has the stamp and is the only one who will use it.
VI.	PERSONNEL
A.	Orientation: The purpose and objectives of the surgical canter shall be explained to all personnel as part of an overall orientation program.
B.	Policies: There shall be appropriate written personnel policies, rules and regulations governing the conditions of employment, the management of employees and the types of functions to be performed.
C.	Job Description :There shall be written job descriptions for each position in the facility including at least the title, authority, specific responsibilities and minimum qualifications. Each employee shall be provided a copy of his or her job description.
D.	Staffing: Each service department of the center shall be under the direction of a person qualified by training, experience, and ability. Staffing levels shall be commensurate with the needs of the patients and facility clientele and the facility.
E.	Inservice: There shall be an in-service program which keeps all employees abreast of changing methods and new techniques. Records including attendance and subject matter of each in-service shall be maintained.
F.	Disease: Any personnel with communicable disease as defined by the Department shall return to work only after complying with the facility's infection control policy.
G.	Records: Personnel records shall be maintained for each person employed in the facility which include at least:
1.	an employment application;
2.	verification of references and/or credentials as required;
3.	incident and/or accident reports;
4.	results of medical examinations required as a part of employment.
VII.	ADMISSIONS
A.	Admissions: All persons admitted to the ambulatory surgical center shall be under the direct care of a member of the provider staff. The provider staff shall ensure the continuity of care for each patient including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care. Each patient shall be provided prior to admission all necessary instruction and education for pre and post-surgical care.
B.	Restrictions: Surgical procedures shall be limited to the following:
1.	those that do not exceed twenty-three (23) hours combined operating and recovery and/or convalescent time, and;
2.	those that do not generally result in extensive blood loss, require major or prolonged invasion of body cavities, directly involve major blood vessels, or constitute an emergency or life threatening procedure.
C.	Identification: Each patient admitted to the center shall have a visible means of identification placed and maintained on his/her person until discharge. In cases of off-site pre-planned transfer such means of identification shall be maintained throughout the period of transfer and until such time as the patient becomes a patient of another licensed facility.
D.	Admission Requirements: All admissions shall be in accordance with appropriate written policies and procedures which reflect the admission requirements established in this section, recommended by the provider staff and adopted by the governing body, specific to the ambulatory surgical center operations, that includes at least the following:
1.	The patient must be in good health or have mild systemic disease which is under good control and does not require special management. Patient status shall be documented by the admitting physician.
2.	The patient or a responsible person acting on behalf of the patient must be able to strictly follow instructions related to ingestion of fluids or solids within the specified time frame prior to the surgery.
3.	If the patient is to receive sedation or anesthetic which will result in impaired mental status following surgery, the patient must be accompanied upon discharge by a responsible adult.
4.	Patients who may require post-operative ventilation following surgery, either because of the procedure to be performed or because of a pre-existing condition, shall not be admitted for surgery.
5.	Surgery which requires the presence of special equipment, personnel, and/or facilities due to the risk of the operation involved shall not be performed in the center unless such equipment, personnel, and/or facilities are available in the ambulatory surgical center.
6.	When overnight care is provided, appropriate services shall be rendered within the defined capabilities of the organization. If overnight care is to be provided by the facility, notice of such shall be sent to the Health Facilities Division.
7.	The governing body of the facility shall have an organizationwide policy on the use of smoking materials in the facility which shall be posted and disclosed to the patient upon admission.
E.	OFF-SITE PRE-PLANNED TRANSFERS: Off-site pre-planned transfers of patients include those transfers of patients to other licensed health facilities, that are physically located off-site or off-campus, where it is known in advance that further post-surgical patient care will be needed. Off-site pre-planned transfers do not include discharges to the patient's place of residence where further care will be provided by home health or home care providers. Ambulatory surgical centers providing off-site pre-planned transfer service options shall adhere to the following requirements.
1.	DISCLOSURE. Facilities offering surgical services which include an off-site pre-planned transfer to another licensed facility following post-operative recovery shall disclose in written form to the patient all the details of the transfer prior to admission to the facility. Disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the cost of the transfer, whether or not such costs shall be covered by insurance or other third party payer, and the details of the actual transfer, including, but not limited to, the mode of transport. Disclosure shall be made to the patient prior to the time for admission to the facility. The patient shall acknowledge such disclosure in writing, and the date thereof. Such disclosures on facility policies regarding off-site pre-planned transfers shall be in addition to the requirements for informed consent.
2.	Off-site pre-planned transfers shall be made only to other licensed facilities that can provide the level of care necessary to meet the needs of the patient. The ambulatory surgical center shall have a written agreement with any and each licensed facility that admits patients for post-surgical care from an ambulatory surgical center. The ambulatory surgical center shall provide written discharge instructions, including patient progress information, to the receiving facility.
a.	An ambulatory surgical center shall allow preplanned transfers only with the written consent of the patient and the written authorization of the attending or operating surgeon or physician. The attending or operating surgeon or physician shall approve such a transfer if there are assurances that the continuity of care for the patient shall be maintained and contact with the patient's attending physician is continuous.
3.	All pre-planned transfers shall be by licensed ambulance. The ambulatory surgical center shall have a written agreement with the provider(s) of ambulance services. Such transfer agreements shall include the provision for an appropriate level of care commensurate with the needs of a post-surgical recovering patient. If necessary, as determined by the attending or operating physician, licensed provider staff from the ambulatory surgical center shall accompany the patient on the ambulance to provide continuity of care and a level of care that meets the peri-operative needs of the patient.
4.	Ambulatory surgical centers engaging in pre-planned transfers shall provide space at the entrance to the building to facilitate transfer. The facility shall provide close-in parking that shall be accessible at all times and shall not be obstructed by other parked vehicles or any other architectural barriers. The space provided for ambulance access shall also contain adequate height clearance to accommodate a type I or a type 3 ambulance.
5.	An ambulatory surgical center located above the ground level of the building that admits patients for which a pre-planned transfer is anticipated shall have elevators available for the transport of such patients. Elevators shall be large enough to accommodate an ambulance cot in horizontal position and a minimum of two attendants.
F.	ON-SITE PRE-PLANNED TRANSFERS: On-site pre-planned transfers of patients are also authorized where it is known in advance that further post-surgical patient care will be needed. Such transfers are limited to those transfers of patients to other licensed health facilities, located on-site or on campus and are physically connected to the ambulatory surgical center.
a.	The provisions of paragraph (e)(1) and (2) shall apply to on-site pre-planned transfers. The provisions of paragraph (e)(3), (4), and (5) shall not apply to on-site pre-planned transfers.
VIII.	LABORATORY AND RADIOLOGY
A.	Services: Clinical laboratory services shall be available as required by the needs of the patients as determined by the provider staff. Whether provided on-site or by contract, the laboratory shall meet the requirements of the “Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988,” and the corresponding regulations (42 USC 263a and 42 CFR 493).
B.	RADIOLOGY SERVICES: Radiological services shall be provided as required by the needs of the patients as determined by the provider staff. Whether provided on-site or by contract, the radiological service shall meet “Colorado Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Radiation Control,” 6 CCR 1007-1.
IX.	ANESTHESIA
A 	The use of flammable anesthetics in ambulatory surgical centers is prohibited.
X.	EMERGENCY SERVICES
A.	The center shall have policies and procedures which provide for adequate care of the facility's patients in the event of an emergency.
B.	There shall be a policy and procedure for obtaining ambulance services to an emergency center/hospital including notification of next of kin or responsible party.
C.	There shall be a written transfer agreement with an emergency center/hospital, or all physicians performing surgery in the ASC shall have admitting privileges at the hospital.
D.	Emergency equipment and supplies shall be readily available on the premises.
E.	An ambulatory surgical center transferring a patient to a hospital on an emergency basis, shall submit to the receiving hospital at the time of transfer a copy of all medical records related to the patient's condition, including observations of the patient's signs and symptoms, preliminary diagnosis, treatment provided, results of any tests, and a copy of the informed written consent.
XI.	NURSING SERVICES
A.	Nursing Administration: The facility shall have an organized nursing department under the supervision of a Director of Nursing who is currently licensed by the State of Colorado as a professional registered nurse and who has responsibility and accountability for all nursing services.
B.	The Director of Nursing, shall be responsible for:
1.	delivery of appropriate nursing services to patients;
2.	development and maintenance of appropriate nursing service objectives, standards of nursing practice, nursing policy and procedure manuals, and written job descriptions for all levels of nursing personnel;
3.	coordination of nursing services with other patient services;
4.	establishment of a means of adequately assessing and planning the nursing care needs of patients and staffing to meet those needs;
5.	staff development including orientation, inservice and continuing education which includes provisions for CPR certification or review.
C.	Nursing Personnel: There shall be sufficient licensed and auxiliary nursing personnel on duty to meet the total nursing needs of patients:
1.	at least one registered nurse shall be in the facility at all times when a patient is in the facility;
2.	nursing personnel shall be assigned duties consistent with their education and experience.
D.	Medications and Treatments: Medications and treatments shall be administered in accordance with all applicable laws and acceptable standards of practice.
E.	Staff Meetings: Meetings of the nursing staff shall be held regularly to discuss, review and evaluate nursing care. Written minutes of these meetings shall be maintained and distributed to staff.
F.	Inservice Education: All nursing personnel shall receive inservice education at least semi-annually which shall include, but not be limited to, infection control, fire and safety procedures.
G.	Evaluation: There shall be an adequate plan of continuous evaluation of nursing care. The Director of Nursing shell periodically evaluate the adequacy of the facility to meet the nursing needs of its patients and shall participate in planning for needed improvements or revisions of facilities and services.
H.	Circulating Nurse: A registered nurse, qualified by education and experience in operating room nursing, shall be present as a circulating nurse in each operating room during operative procedures.
XII.	PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
A.	There shall be methods, procedures and controls which ensure the appropriation, acquisition, storage, dispensing and administration of drugs and biologicals in accordance with acceptable pharmaceutical practice and applicable state and federal laws and regulations, whether it provides its own pharmaceutical services or makes other legal and appropriate arrangements for obtaining necessary pharmaceuticals.
XIII.	SURGICAL SERVICES
A.	Location: The ambulatory surgical center shall have at least one operating room that has the capability of administering general anesthesia to patients and is located in a sterile environment within the facility. The operating room(s) and accessory areas shall be located so that in and out traffic is properly controlled. The ambulatory surgical center may have additional, appropriately equipped treatment and/or procedures rooms for surgical procedures not requiring general anesthesia.
1.	If an ambulatory surgical center generally provides only surgical services that do not require general anesthesia, the facility may make application to the department for an appropriate modification of the requirements for a surgical suite provided that the facility can demonstrate the ability to implement a functional, sterile operating room whenever such use would be necessitated by patient needs.
2.	The provisions of paragraph A.1. Shall not apply to ambulatory surgical centers licensed prior to the January 30, 1995.
B.	Patient Preparation Area: A patient preparation area with adjacent toilet facilities must be provided near the surgical suite. This area must provide for the privacy and comfort of the patients and for storage of patient's clothing.
C.	Surgical Privileges Roster: An up-to-date roster of staff providers specifying the approved surgical privileges of each shall be kept on file and available to the nursing staff.
D.	Doorways and Corridors: The-minimum width of doors for patients and equipment shall be 3'0”. Doors to accommodate stretchers must be a least 3'8” wide. The minimum width of corridors serving surgery suites and recovery and patient preparation areas from these areas must be at least 8 feet.
E.	Operating Room(s)/surgical suites and treatment and procedures rooms: Each room shall be large enough to accommodate equipment and personnel for surgical procedures to be performed. If general anesthesia is to be administered during the surgery, the room shall contain a minimum of 225 square feet and; adequate provisions shall be made for an emergency communication system connecting the surgical suite to a control station.
F.	Equipment: The following minimum equipment must be available in the surgical suite: 1) cardiac monitor, 2) resuscitator, 3) defibrillator, 4) aspirator, 5) tracheotomy set and equipment for airway maintenance, and 6) pediatric-sized equipment, if pediatric patients are served.
G.	Medical Gases and Medical Gas Systems: A supply of oxygen shall be available and stored in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association 99-1999 Standards for Health Care Facilities, Chapter 4, Gas and Vacuum Systems.  Piped medical gas systems shall meet the requirements of NPFA 99-1999 Chapter 4, Gas and Vacuum Systems.
H.	Ancillary Areas: In addition to operating room(s), the following physically separated areas shall be provided within the suite and shall be separated by doors and/or walls: 1) scrub area, 2) cleanup room, 3) instrument and supply storage, 4) janitor's facilities.
I.	Scrub Area: The scrub area shall be adjacent to the operating room to permit immediate access to the room after scrubbing. Scrub sink(s) with knee or foot controls shall be installed in the scrub area.
J.	Clean-up Facilities: Clean and soiled utility rooms shall be arranged and provided with equipment necessary for proper patient care and for the processing of soiled equipment, including a pressurized steam sterilizer or equivalent, or a sterilizer or sterilization system that is appropriate to the procedures being performed, and storage cabinets and work counters with sinks.
K.	Staff Dressing Rooms: Shall be provided for both men and women, each containing a toilet, handsink, and provisions for storage of clothing.
L.	Ventilation: Operating rooms or surgical suites shall be provided with a minimum ventilation rate as required in Section XXII by mechanical supply and exhaust system. The air may be recirculated, provided the recirculated air passes through the final filters. The mechanical ventilation system may be shut down during off hours:
1.	outdoor air intakes shall be located as far away as practical, but not less than 25 feet from the exhausts from any ventilating systems, combustion equipment, medical-surgical vacuum system or plumbing vent or areas which may collect noxious fumes, the bottom of all outdoor air intakes shall be located as high as practical but not less than 3 feet above grade level, or if installed through the roof, 3 feet above the roof level;
2.	all air supplied to operating rooms and recovery rooms shall be delivered at or near the ceiling of the area served.
M.	Filters: All ventilation or air-conditioning systems serving surgery suites shall have a minimum of two filter beds. Filter bed No. 1 shall be located upstream of the air conditioning equipment and shall have a minimum efficiency of 25 percent. Filter bed No. 2 shall be downstream of the supply fan and air-conditioning equipment and humidifying equipment. If a steam humidifying system is provided, it may be downstream of the final filter. Filter bed No. 2 shall have a minimum efficiency of 90 percent of 1-5 micron size particles. Each filter bed serving sensitive areas shall have a manometer installed across each filter bed.
N.	Exhaust: At least two (2) exhaust outlets shall be provided in each operating room, with the lower perimeter of the outlet situated between three to four inches off the floor.
O.	Lighting: General and spot illumination shall be provided in each operating room.
P.	Anesthetizing Locations:  Anesthetizing locations shall meet the requirements of NFPA 99-1999, Chapter 3, Electrical Systems.  
Q.	Janitors Room: A separate janitors' room or equivalent shall be provided exclusively for the surgical suite. It shall be equipped with shelves for supplies, mop clip boards, and a wall or floor-mounted mop sink. A hand-washing sink with soap and sanitary handwashing facilities will be available nearby. There shall be room also for a waste container, drum of disinfectant detergent, mop carts and buckets, etc.
XIV	RECOVERY ROOM
A.	 Recovery Room(s): Recovery room(s) for post-anesthesia recovery that meet the needs of surgical patients shall be provided.
B.	Recovery Area and Equipment: The surgical recovery rooms must provide for: 1) direct visual observation of all patients, 2) medicine administration facilities, 3) charting facilities, 4) toilet facilities, 5) storage space for supplies and equipment, 6) oxygen, 7) emergency call system, and 8) hand washing facilities.
C.	Bed Space: There must be at least 3’ 0” on each side or between recovery beds and space at the foot of the bed for work. and/or circulation.
XIV-A	PATIENT CARE UNIT
A.	An ambulatory surgical center shall maintain a distinct patient care area if the ambulatory surgical center provides surgical services for persons needing longer periods of care and/or observation beyond the recovery period and prior to discharge, but not to exceed 23 hours.  Patient rooms shall have direct exit to the corridor or exit way or discharge and shall have a maximum of two beds per room.
B.	Each patient room shall be 100 square feet for a one-bed occupancy and 80 square feet per bed for a two-bed occupancy, exclusive of closets or lockers. A patient room shall not contain more than two beds. In a two-bed patient room, privacy shall be provided by cubicle curtains or other appropriate partitions.
C.	Each patient room shall contain at least one, appropriately sized patient bed equipped with a mattress protected by waterproof material and a pillow.
D.	Each patient room shall be in an area that is visible to the staff at the nurses station and shall be equipped with a nurse call system.
E.	A patient bathroom, with toilet and bathing or showering facilities shall be provided in the immediate vicinity of the patient bedroom(s). Immediate vicinity means in the patient bedroom or adjacent to the patient bedroom or directly across the corridor from the patient bedroom.
F.	Patient rooms shall be equipped with medical and personal care equipment that is necessary to meet the needs of the patient.
XV	SUPPLIES
A.	Storage. Maintenance and Distribution: There shall be safe and sanitary storage, maintenance and distribution of sterile supplies and equipment, in accordance with adequate written policies and procedures which also govern shelf life.
B.	Segregation: Sterile supplies and equipment shall not be mixed with unsterile supplies, shall be stored in dust proof and moisture free units, and shall be properly labeled.
C.	Sterilizing Equipment: Sterilizing equipment of appropriate type shall be available and of sufficient capacity to adequately sterilize instruments and operating room materials as well as laboratory equipment and supplies. The sterilizing equipment shall have an approved recording thermometer and safety features. The accuracy of such instrumentation and equipment shall be checked and calibrated periodically, preventive maintenance shall be provided as necessary and a log maintained.
XVI	HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
A.	Organization: Each facility shall provide housekeeping services which ensure a pleasant, safe and sanitary environment. The facility shall be kept clean and orderly.
B.	Written Policies and Procedures: Appropriate written policies and procedures shall be established and followed which ensure adequate cleaning and/or disinfection of the physical plant and equipment.
C.	Storage: All cleaning materials, solutions, cleaning compounds, and hazardous substances, shall be properly identified and stored in a safe place.
D.	Critical Areas: Surgical and recovery areas shall be maintained at a high level of cleanliness at all times.
E.	Dry Dusting and Sweeping: Dry dusting and sweeping shall be prohibited in clean/sterile areas.
F.	Rubbish and Refuse Containers: All rubbish and refuse containers in treatment areas shall be impervious, lined and clean.
G.	Handwashing: All personnel shall wash their hands after handling refuse.
XVII	LAUNDRY AND LINENS
Written provisions shall be made for the proper handling of linens and washable goods.
A.	Outside Laundry: Laundry that is sent out shall be sent to a commercial or hospital laundry. A contract for laundry services performed by commercial laundries for ambulatory surgical centers shall include these standards.
B.	Storage: If soiled linen is not processed on a daily basis, a separate, properly ventilated storage area shall be provided.
C.	Processing: The laundry processing area shall be arranged to allow for an orderly progressive flow of work from the soiled to the clean area.
D.	Washing Temperatures: The temperatures of water during water process shall be controlled to provide a minimum temperature 165 F. (74 C) for at least 25 minutes.
E.	Packaging: The linens to be returned from the outside laundry to the facility shall be completely wrapped or covered to protect against contamination.
F.	Soiled Linen Transportation: Soiled linen shall be enclosed in an impervious bag and removed from surgery units after each procedure.
G.	Soiled Linen Carts; Carts, if used to transport soiled linen, shall be constructed of impervious materials, cleaned and disinfected after each use.
H.	Clean Linen Storage Room; Adequate provisions shall be made for storage of clean linen.
I.	Contaminated Linens: Contaminated linens shall be afforded appropriate special treatment by the laundry.
J.	Procedures: Adequate procedures for the handling of all laundry and for the positive indentification and proper packaging and storage of sterile linens must be developed and followed.
XVIII	MAINTENANCE
A.	Written Policies and Procedures: There shall be written policies and procedures for a preventive maintenance program which is implemented to keep the entire facility and equipment in good repair and to provide for the safety, welfare and comfort of the occupants of the building(s).
XIX	INCINERATION
A.	Agreement: If there is no pathological incinerator on the premises, the facility must have an agreement with another facility that has an approved pathological incinerator for the proper disposal of pathological waste.
B.	Incinerator for Pathological Waste: Any pathological waste incinerator must meet the appropriate clean air act of the state.
C.	Refuse Incinerators: Refuse incincerators are prohibited.
XX	PEST CONTROL
A.	Pest Control; Adequate written policies and procedures shall be developed and implemented to provide for effective control and eradication of insects and rodents.
B.	Outer Air Openings: All openings to the outer air shall be effectively protected against the entrance of insects and rodents, etc., by self-closing doors, closed windows, screens, controlled air currents or other effective means.
XXI	WASTE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
A.	Sewage and Sewer Systems: All sewage shall be discharged into a public sewer system, or if such is not available, shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Colorado State Department of Health.
B.	Refuse and Rubbish: All garbage and refuse not treated as sewage shall be collected in approved containers with liners in such manner as not to become a nuisance, and shall be removed from the facility once a day. A paved outside storage area for the containers must be provided.
XXII	BUILDING AND FIRE SAFETY
A.	Facilities shall be compliant with the following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code requirements:  
1.	Facilities licensed on or after October 1, 2003 or portions of facilities that undergo remodeling shall meet NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (2000), Chapter 20, New Ambulatory Health Care Occupancies.  
2.	Facilities licensed on or before September 30, 2003 shall meet NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (2000), Chapter 21, Existing Ambulatory Health Care Occupancies. 
3.	Facilities licensed on or before April 29, 1994 shall meet either Section XXII, A.2 above or NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (1981), Section 12-6 “New Ambulatory Health Care Centers.”   The facility may meet the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (1981) if such facilities were lawfully constructed and in compliance with the regulations at the time of initial licensure and found to be in continuing compliance during any subsequent inspections, they may continue to utilize existing, approved life safety systems provided that they present no hazard to life, health, or property and that there are no changes in the scope of services and utilization patterns in the ambulatory surgical center. The ambulatory surgical center shall, in the event of any renovation to the facility of 25 percent or greater of the total interior of the physical plant on or after April 30, 1994 comply with the requirements established in Section XXII, A.1 above. 
B.	Facilities licensed on or after April 30, 1994 shall also be compliant with NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities (1999 Edition), Chapter 13, “Other” Health Care Occupancies.  
C.	Ambulatory surgical centers shall also demonstrate compliance with all other building and fire safety requirements of local governments and other state agencies, including but not limited to structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical requirements.
D.	The publication “Guidelines for Construction and Equipment of Hospitals and Medical Facilities, 1992-1993” from the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services may be used by the Department in resolving building and fire safety issues that relate to the services provided or systems installed on or before February 29, 2008 and are necessary to protect patient health, safety, and welfare.  On or after March 1, 2008, the American Institute of Architects “Guidelines for Design and Construction for Health Care Facilities,” (2006 Edition) may be used by the Department in resolving building and fire safety issues that relate to the services provided or systems installed on or after March 1, 2008, and are necessary to protect patient health, safety, and welfare. 
XXIII	Department Oversight 
A.	Licensure Fees.  Fees shall be submitted to the Department as specified below.
1.	Initial license (when such initial licensure is not a change of ownership).  A license applicant shall submit with an application for licensure a nonrefundable fee of $6,600.  
2.	Renewal license.  A license applicant shall submit with an application for licensure a nonrefundable fee as follows:  Base: $1,440; Per Operating or Procedure Room: $200.  The renewal fee shall not exceed $3,000.  
3.	Change of Ownership.  A license applicant shall submit with an application for licensure a nonrefundable fee of $4,100.
4.	Provisional License.  The license applicant may be issued a provisional license upon submittal of a nonrefundable fee of $2,500.  If a provisional license is issued, the provisional license fee shall be in addition to the initial or renewal license fee.
5.	Conditional License.  A facility that is issued a conditional license by the Department shall submit a nonrefundable fee ranging from 10 to 25 percent of its applicable renewal fee.  The percentage shall be determined by the Department.  If the conditional license is issued concurrent with the initial or renewal license, the conditional license fee shall be in addition to the initial or renewal license fee.
b.	Plan Review and Plan Review Fee.  Fees shall be submitted to the Department as specified below.  Fees are nonrefundable and shall be submitted prior to the Department initiating a plan review for a facility. 
1.	Initial license (when such initial licensure is not a change of ownership).  A license applicant shall submit with construction plans a nonrefundable fee of:  $2,500 for facilities with two or less operating and/or procedure rooms and $5,000 for facilities with three or more operating and/or procedure rooms.  
2.	Remodeling.  Plan review for remodeling is applicable to significant modifications where construction is initiated on or after July 1, 2008 or if a permit is required where the permit from the local authority having jurisdiction is dated on or after July 1, 2008.  Significant modifications include: new construction; relocation of walls of any operating or procedure room; addition of one or more operating or procedure rooms; changes to the fire alarm system that involve the replacement of the main fire alarm control unit (panel); and modifications to the medical gas system that affects 50% or more of the facility.  A facility shall submit the following nonrefundable fees upon submission of plans:
A.	Desk review only:  $500
B.	Desk and onsite review:  $1,500 for review of up to two procedure or operating rooms.  Significant modifications that impact more than two procedure or operating rooms are subject to an additional fee of $250 per additional procedure or operating room.  
3.	Replacement Building or New Location.  A facility shall submit a nonrefundable fee of $3,100 for facilities with two or less operating or procedure rooms and $5,600 for facilities with three or more operating or procedure rooms.