La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-8613

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-8613 - Interior Space

A. Each living unit of an ICF/DD shall contain a space for the free and informal use of individuals. This space shall be constructed and equipped in a manner consonant with the programmatic goals of the ICF/DD. An appropriate variety of interior recreational spaces shall be provided. An ICF/DD shall ensure that there is evidence of routine maintenance and cleaning programs in all areas of the ICF/DD.

B. Dining Areas

1. An ICF/DD shall provide dining areas which permit individuals, staff and as appropriate, guests to eat together at a table, counter or in a manner which accommodates wheelchairs or other assisted devices. As a minimum, the dining area shall provide 15 square feet per person. If usage is by shifts the number of persons in each shift and the number of shifts shall be indicated in the functional program.

2. An ICF/DD shall provide dining areas which are clean, comfortable, home-like, well-lighted, ventilated and attractively furnished.

C. Sleeping Accommodations

1. An ICF/DD shall ensure that each single occupancy bedroom space has a floor area of at least 80-square feet and that each multiple occupancy bedroom space has a floor area of at least 60 square feet for each occupant.

2. An ICF/DD shall not use a room with a ceiling height of less than seven feet six inches as a bedroom space, unless, in a room with varying ceiling height, the portions of the room where the ceiling is at least seven feet six inches allow a usable space with floor areas as required above.

3. An ICF/DD shall not permit more than four individuals to occupy a designated bedroom space.

4. No individual over the age of 5 years shall occupy a bedroom with a member of the opposite sex, unless the persons occupying the bedroom are a married couple or properly documented medical reasons require it.

5. An ICF/DD shall not use any room which does not have an operable window as a bedroom space.

6. Each individual in the care of an ICF/DD shall have his/her own bed. A double bed may be provided for a married couple. An individual's bed shall be no shorter than the individual's height and no less than 30 inches wide and shall have a clean, comfortable, non-toxic, fire-retardant mattress. The bed shall be solidly constructed, include a mattress and box spring and be in good repair.

7. An ICF/DD shall ensure that sheets, pillow and blankets are provided for each individual.

8. Enuretic individuals shall have mattresses with moisture-resistant covers.

9. Sheets and pillow cases shall be changed at least weekly but shall be changed more frequently, if necessary.

10. Cots or other portable beds are not to be used.

11. An ICF/DD shall provide each individual in care with his/her own dresser or other adequate storage space for private use and a designated space for hanging clothing in proximity to the bedroom occupied by the individual.

12. Each individual in care of an ICF/DD shall have his/her own designated area for rest and sleep.

13. The decoration of sleeping areas for individuals shall allow for the personal tastes and expressions of the individuals.

D. Bathrooms

1. An ICF/DD shall have an adequate number of properly equipped bathroom facilities, accommodating individual care needs.

2. Bathrooms shall be so placed as to allow access without disturbing other individuals during sleeping hours.

3. Each bathroom shall be properly equipped with toilet paper, towels, soap and other items required for personal hygiene.

4. Tubs and showers shall have slip-proof surfaces.

5. An ICF/DD shall provide toilets and baths or showers which allow for individual privacy.

6. An ICF/DD shall ensure that bathrooms have a safe and adequate supply of hot and cold running water. Hot water temperatures shall not exceed 110 degrees F. where individuals are not able to regulate temperature independently.

7. An ICF/DD shall ensure that bathrooms contain mirrors secured to the walls at convenient heights and other furnishings necessary to meet the individual's basic hygienic needs.

8. An ICF/DD shall ensure that bathrooms are equipped to facilitate maximum self-help by individuals. Bathrooms shall be large enough to permit staff assistance of individuals receiving services, as necessary.

9. Toilets, wash basins, and other plumbing or sanitary facilities in a facility shall, at all times, be maintained in good operating condition and shall be kept free of any materials that might clog or otherwise impair their operation.

E. Kitchens

1. Kitchens used for meal preparations shall be provided with the necessary equipment for the preparation, storage, serving and clean up of all meals for all of the individuals and staff regularly served by such kitchen. All equipment shall be maintained in working order.

2. An ICF/DD shall not use disposable dinnerware at meals on a regular basis unless the facility documents that such dinnerware is necessary to protect the health or safety of individuals in care.

3. An ICF/DD shall ensure that all dishes, cups and glasses used by individuals in care are free from chips, cracks or other defects.

4. All reusable eating and drinking utensils shall be sanitized after a thorough washing and rinsing.

5. Animals shall not be permitted in food storage, preparation, and dining areas.

F. Staff Quarters

1. An ICF/DD utilizing live-in staff shall provide adequate, separate living space with a private bathroom for these staff.

G. Administrative and Counseling Space

1. An ICF/DD shall provide a space which is distinct from individuals' living areas to serve as an administrative office for records, secretarial work and bookkeeping.

2. An ICF/DD shall have a designated space to allow private discussions and counseling sessions between individuals and staff.

H. Furnishings

1. An ICF/DD shall have comfortable customary furniture as appropriate for all living areas. Furniture for the use of individuals shall be appropriately designed to suit the size and capabilities of individuals.

2. An ICF/DD shall replace or repair broken, run-down or defective furnishings and equipment promptly.

I. Doors and Windows

1. An ICF/DD shall ensure that any designated bedroom shall have functional windows that can be opened.

2. An ICF/DD shall provide insect screens for all opened windows. This screening shall be readily removable in emergencies and shall be in good repair.

3. An ICF/DD shall ensure that all closets, bedrooms and bathrooms which have doors are provided with doors that can be readily opened from both sides.

4. Outside doors, windows and other features of the structure necessary for the safety and comfort of individuals shall be secured for safety within 24 hours of being found to be in a state of disrepair. Total repair shall be completed as soon as possible.

J. Storage

1. An ICF/DD shall ensure that there are sufficient and appropriate storage facilities.

2. An ICF/DD shall securely lock storage spaces containing all potentially harmful materials. Keys to such storage spaces shall only be available to authorized individuals.

K. Electrical Systems

1. An ICF/DD shall ensure that all electrical equipment, wiring, switches, sockets and outlets are maintained in good order and safe condition.

2. An ICF/DD shall ensure that any room, corridor or stairway within an ICF/DD shall be sufficiently illuminated.

3. An ICF/DD shall provide adequate lighting of exterior areas to ensure the safety of individuals and staff during the night.

L. Temperature

1. An ICF/DD shall take all reasonable precautions to ensure that heating elements, including exposed hot water pipes, are insulated and installed in a manner that ensures the safety of individuals.

2. An ICF/DD shall maintain the spaces used by individuals at a temperature range of 71-81 degrees F.

3. An ICF/DD shall not use open flame heating equipment.

4. Water. Hot water temperatures shall not exceed 110 degrees F. where individuals are not able to regulate temperature independently.

M. Finishes and Surfaces

1. An ICF/DD shall not utilize any excessively rough surface or finish where this surface or finish may present a safety hazard to individuals.

2. An ICF/DD shall not have walls or ceilings surfaced with materials containing asbestos.

3. An ICF/DD shall not use lead paint for any purpose within the ICF/DD or on the exterior or grounds of the ICF/DD, nor shall the ICF/DD purchase any equipment, furnishings or decoration with lead paint. If an existing facility is to be converted to an ICF/DD, the facility shall be tested and certified to be free of asbestos or lead paint materials.

4. An ICF/DD which accepts individuals for placement who are under six years of age, mentally retarded or severely emotionally disturbed shall have evidence that the ICF/DD has been found to be free of lead paint hazards.

N. Laundry Space. An ICF/DD shall have a laundry space complete with washer(s) and dryer(s).

O. An ICF/DD shall have a minimum of 60 square feet of interior floor area for each client that is accessible to clients excluding hallways, closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, staff quarters, laundry areas, storage areas and any other areas not accessible to or usable by clients for normal social and recreational activities.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-8613

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 38:3212 (December 2012).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and R.S. 40:2180-2180.5.