You simply cannot safely dispose of medical waste in your healthcare facility. Don’t miss out on meeting standards. Yes, you have to follow rules when disposing of medical waste. A third-party vendor is needed, which means you will need to sign a contract.
Before you sign the contract, make sure that it covers all your bases. You don’t need to forget some important information. You can ensure that you get a contract for medical waste removal by following a few key tips.
Are you really in need of a contract for the disposal of medical waste?
You may think that there must be an alternative to the price of the contract. Spending a few dollars to get rid of trash is not a big deal. The cheapest option is always available to healthcare facilities. The medical waste is double bagged before it’s thrown out.
In Missouri, a podiatry practice decided to dispose of its medical waste in the same way as regular garbage. This clinic was fined $43,456 for 11 OSHA violations. Sharps MD LLC received a letter of cease and desist from the Florida Department of Health.
State agency found that the medical waste was being stored in a trailer. Is a medical waste removal company needed? The answer to this question is probably yes, except if your facility does not have the necessary equipment such as a thermal autoclave for properly disposing of medical waste.
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What should your contract for the disposal of medical waste include?
Certain things, such as the duration of the contract are fairly obvious. No matter what type of service you use, it is important to understand when the contract begins and ends.
You will also want to be aware of the charges. You won’t sign a contract unless you know the total cost. You should clearly outline the total costs, which includes any extra fees.
It’s best to look for another provider of medical waste disposal if this information is not provided. What else would you like included in the contract for medical waste disposal?
Medical Waste Acceptance Policy
The information in this section is a bit more detailed than just the types of waste that the company collects and discards. It is important to understand how wastes are collected, transported and disposed of.
Medical wastes have specific requirements for collection and storage. What’s this? Most of the time, trash bags are not an acceptable storage solution. Sharps, for example, must be kept in an airtight container that is puncture proof. The compliance standard is not met by a cardboard box or trash bag. Check to see if the company you are using for disposal is in compliance with all federal and state regulations.
How do you feel about price increases?
Some contracts do not address price hikes, which can be a little problematic. After paying a certain amount every month, the price suddenly increases. A contract will usually lock you in to a fixed price. This is something that you will usually want to include in your contract.
We all know that the economy has ups anddowns. Prices can change and affect your contract for medical waste disposal. You may be surprised by unexpected bills if the contract does not lock in prices.
The Complete Listing of Services
Some third-party vendors only deal with pharmaceutical waste like sharps and bandages. Others only handle pharmaceutical waste, such as sharps and bandages. Some are equipped to deal with other medical waste, such as arms and legs. Others can also handle hazardous pathogens. Before choosing a service provider, consider the types of medical waste generated at your facility.
The contract must clearly state all the services that are provided. It is impossible to predict when your clinic will generate different types of medical waste. You can ensure that your healthcare facility will be ready for all your patient’s needs by knowing what you need to do in advance.
The key to Liability is Understanding the Risk.
It’s inevitable that accidents will happen. Who is responsible for damages if an accident occurs with the medical waste at your facility? You want this covered by the contract. If an accident happens, it can cost a lot of money to forget this information. In general, once medical waste has been placed in the disposal company’s possession, they are responsible.
Medical Waste Disposal Services Are Worth It
It’s not as simple as finding the best pizza joint to find a reliable medical waste removal service. You’re probably only left with a few options. This is not a very booming business. You can negotiate an advantageous contract even if you have limited options. Remember that anything you forget can cost more than expected.
