A well-designed and maintained on-site laundry can have big impact on long-term care, according to an article on the American Laundry News website.
Every part of a long-term-care facility — including the laundry facility — is subject to inspection and must meet certain guidelines.
Guidelines vary by state, but most include the same basic regulations. Water must be heated to (at least) 160 F to ensure that bacteria is being killed as the garments are washed, the article said.
Laundry rooms must also comply with certain design regulations to prevent the cross-contamination of clean and soiled linens.
With modern equipment and technologies, an OPL can run more smoothly and efficiently, allowing inspectors to see that guidelines are being met.