16 Del. Admin. Code § 3305-IV-12.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

Section 3305-IV-12.0 - Physical Facility Standards

12.1 Rooms or other areas of the group home that are not sleeping rooms shall not be used for sleeping accommodations.

12.2 Sleeping rooms shall be rooms with one (1) outside wall and shall provide for quiet and privacy.

12.2.1 Each bedroom shall have walls that go to the ceiling, a door that can be closed and that opens directly into a corridor, and at least one (1) window that opens directly to the outside.

12.2.2 Bedrooms for one (1) individual shall be at least one hundred (100) square feet in size and bedrooms for more than one (1) individual shall provide at least eighty (80) square feet of floor space per individual and be adequately spaced for resident care. Minimum room measurements shall not include toilet rooms, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves or vestibules. The ceiling shall not be less than seven (7) feet from the floor. Each bedroom shall accommodate no more than two (2) residents.

12.2.3 Each resident shall have a separate bed of appropriate size and height and in good repair with a comfortable, well-constructed mattress. There shall be closet space and a minimum of two (2) drawers in a chest of drawers for storing personal belongings. There shall be a sturdy bedside stand and reading light for each resident.

12.2.4 Electrical outlets shall be conveniently located in each room with at least one (1) light fixture switch at the entrance to the bedroom.

12.2.5 The service provider shall ensure adequate privacy and separation of sexes in sleeping arrangements, except in cases of husband and wife.

12.2.6 If bedroom doors of residents are locked by residents for privacy reasons, a master key shall be available to staff persons.

12.2.7 Bedroom windows shall have window treatments that close for privacy.

12.3 Every resident shall receive notice before the resident's room or roommate is changed, except in emergencies. The service provider shall endeavor to honor the room or roommate requests of the resident whenever possible. Smoking and non-smoking residents, where practical, shall not share a room except by mutual agreement.

12.4 There shall be a telephone in the group home accessible to staff and residents.

12.5 There shall be sufficient heating, ventilation, and light in all living and sleeping quarters to provide a comfortable atmosphere.

12.6 The exterior of the group home site shall be free from hazards as well as the accumulation of litter.

12.7 The group home and grounds shall be clean and orderly and maintained in an attractive appearance reasonably consistent with the character of the immediate area in which the group home is located.

12.8 There shall be provided one (1) or more areas that are adequate in size and furnished for resident dining, recreational, and social activities, and which shall include TV, radio and entertainment. At least thirty (30) square feet per resident shall be assigned to these areas. Basement space may be used for recreation activities if there is a minimum of two (2) means of egress from the basement.

12.9 Any physical alteration of a group home shall be approved by the Department in writing prior to the commencement of the alteration. One (1) copy of the building permit for the alteration, the application for the building permit and accompanying plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Department before the alteration may be considered.

12.10 All vehicles used to transport residents by the service provider shall be equipped with a seat belt for each resident, a means of communication, and shall comply with applicable safety and licensing standards established by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. The service provider shall maintain liability insurance as required by Delaware law. A driver of a vehicle used to transport residents shall have a valid license.

12.11 Emergency transportation shall be available on a twenty-four (24) hour basis. Each group home shall demonstrate the ability to transport residents on an as-needed basis, including provisions for emergency transportation, as a condition of licensure.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 3305-IV-12.0