La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-8785

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

Section I-8785 - General Provisions

A. Interior Space

1. The facility shall be designed, constructed, equipped and maintained to meet the accessibility needs of the clients in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations for persons with disabilities.

2. Handrails and sufficient lighting shall be integrated into public areas as appropriate to assist clients in ambulation.

3. Sufficient lighting shall be provided for general lighting and reading in bedrooms and common areas.

4. Night lights for corridors, emergency situations and the exterior shall be provided as needed for security and safety.

5. Windows used for ventilation to the outside and exterior doors used for ventilation shall be screened, intact and operable.

6. The facility shall be kept free of hazards.

7. The facility shall have sufficient and separate storage space for administration records, cleaning supplies (janitorial), food service (supplies), lawn maintenance (equipment) and locked areas for medications.

8. Poisonous and toxic materials shall be identified, and stored in a separate cabinet used for no other purpose.

9. There shall be evidence of routine maintenance and cleaning programs in all areas of the facility. The facility shall replace or repair broken, worn or defective furnishings and equipment promptly.

10. The facility shall have an effective pest control program.

11. The facility shall have a system in place to control water temperature to prevent burns and ensure client safety.

12. The facility shall be maintained at a comfortable seasonal temperature (65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) in all indoor public and private areas.

13. The facility shall be furnished according to the activities offered. Furniture shall be clean, safe, operable, where applicable and appropriate for the functional program. Furniture shall be available to facilitate usage by the number of clients in the facility.

B. Exterior Space

1. A facility shall ensure that the grounds and any structure thereon shall be maintained in operating condition and free from any reasonably foreseeable hazard to health and safety.

a. Garbage and rubbish stored outside shall be secured securely in noncombustible, covered containers and shall be removed on a regular basis.

b. Trash collection receptacles and incinerators shall be separate from outdoor recreational space.

c. Areas determined to be unsafe, including but not limited to steep grades, cliffs, open pits, swimming pools, high voltage boosters or high speed roads shall be fenced off or have natural barriers to protect clients.

d. Fences shall be in good repair and constructed in such a way as to provide safety and security.

2. A facility shall provide clients access to safe, suitable outdoor space designated for recreational use.

3. The parking lot shall not double as recreational space.

4. If a facility accepts clients that have dementia or other conditions that may cause them to leave or walk away from the home/facility, an enclosed area shall be provided adjacent to the home/facility so that the clients may go outside safely.

5. Signage. The facility's address or name shall be displayed so as to be easily visible from the street.

6. The facility shall ensure that exterior areas are well lit at night.

C. Common Space

1. A facility shall not share common living, or dining space with another facility licensed to care for individuals on a 24 hour basis.

2. The facility shall provide common areas to allow clients the opportunity for socialization.

3. Common areas for leisure shall be at least 60 square feet per licensed capacity.

4. Dining rooms and leisure areas shall be available for use by clients at appropriate times to provide periods of social and diversified individual and group activities.

5. Outpatient facilities and 24 hour facilities shall provide public restrooms of sufficient number and location to serve clients and visitors.

6. The facility's common areas shall be accessible and maintained to provide a clean, safe and attractive environment for the clients.

7. Space used for administration, sleeping or passage shall not be considered as dining or leisure space.

D. Laundry

1. The facility shall have provisions to provide laundry services that are adequate to handle the needs of the clients, including those with bladder and/or bowel incontinence.

2. On-site laundry facilities, if provided, shall be located in a specifically designated area and there shall be adequate space for sorting, processing and storage of soiled material.

3. Laundry rooms shall not open directly into client common areas or into food service areas.

4. Domestic washers and dryers which are for the exclusive use of clients may be provided in client areas, provided they are installed in such a manner that they do not cause a sanitation problem, offensive odors or safety concerns.

5. Universal precautions shall be followed in all laundry areas. Hand cleaning facilities shall be available in or near any laundry area.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-8785

Promulgated by the Department of Health, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 432184 (11/1/2017).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and 40:2120.31-40.