§ 5 Premises

In detail

What § 5 requires

1. The rooms meet the medical and administrative needs of your services in their size, the number of rooms and their equipment § 5(1).
2. Access and equipment take the Federal Disability Equality Act into account § 5(2). What that means for people with reduced mobility is set out in § 21 (lesson 3.2).
3. Patients have a toilet and a place to wash their hands, with water, soap and disposable towels or an electric hand dryer § 5(3).
4. The conversation between doctor and patient stays confidential, and administrative matters can be discussed confidentially too § 5(4).
5. The smoking ban is enforced § 5(5).

What the Hygiene Regulation adds

Toilet areas have a washbasin, a soap dispenser, paper towels and a waste bin. Toilets used by medical staff also have fixed, hands-free dispensers for liquid soap and hand disinfectant, or touch-free sensor dispensers Hygiene-V § 8(7).

What works as proof

• a floor plan showing what each room is used for;
• photos of reception and the waiting area showing how confidentiality is kept;
• a no-smoking notice.

Common gaps

• The waiting room hears every conversation at reception.
• The patient toilet has cloth towels instead of disposable ones.