(a) The ambulatory surgical center (ASC) shall have the necessary personnel, equipment, and procedures to handle medical emergencies that may arise in connection with services sought or provided. At a minimum, the ASC shall provide:
  (1) periodic instruction of all personnel in the proper use of safety, emergency, and fire-extinguishing equipment;
  (2) procedures, including adequate surveillance techniques, that minimize sources and transmission of infections;
  (3) a comprehensive emergency plan to address internal and external emergencies, including:
    (A) a provision for the safe evacuation of patients during an internal emergency, especially patients who have difficulty walking;
    (B) a provision for the most efficient use of available facilities and services during an external emergency; and
    (C) a requirement for at least four drills a year of the internal emergency plan.
(b) Hazards that might lead to slipping, falling, electrical shock, burns, poisoning, or other trauma shall be eliminated.
(c) Facilities shall be clean and properly maintained.
(d) An emergency call system shall be provided and readily accessible to staff and patients in all areas of the facility.
(e) All equipment, including emergency equipment, shall be properly maintained and periodically tested.
(f) There shall be a system for the proper identification, management, handling, transport, treatment, and disposition of hazardous materials and wastes whether solid, liquid, or gas.
  (1) This system shall include, but is not limited to, infectious, radioactive, chemical, and physical hazards.
  (2) The system shall provide for the protection of patients, staff, and the environment.
(g) An ambulatory surgical center shall meet the requirements set forth by the department in §§1.131 et seq. of this title (relating to Definition, Treatment, and Disposition of Special Waste from Health Care-Related Facilities).
(h) Sufficient space, equipment, and supplies shall be provided to perform the volume of work with optimal accuracy, precision, efficiency, and safety in the laboratory and x-ray. The ASC shall furnish equipment for basic diagnostic purposes, depending on the extent of services provided. Dressing area(s) shall be required, depending on services provided, with convenient access to toilets, and may be shared with patient changing/preoperative rooms.

Source Note: The provisions of this §135.10 adopted to be effective June 18, 2009, 34 TexReg 3948