16 Del. Admin. Code § 3305-IV-13.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 3305-IV-13.0 - Health and Sanitation

13.1 The group home site shall be easily drained, suitable for the disposal of sewage, and furnished with a potable water supply that meets requirements of the appropriate State agencies.

13.2 The water system in the group home shall be designed to supply adequate hot and cold water, under pressure, at all times.

13.3 Hot water at shower, bathing and hand washing faucets in the group home shall not exceed 120º F.

13.4 The plumbing in the group home shall meet the requirements of all applicable municipal, county, and state codes. Where there are no municipal or county codes, the plumbing in the group home shall meet the provisions of the Department's Sanitary Plumbing Code.

13.5 There shall be private bathroom facilities with a toilet, shower or tub, and wash basin in each group home. These facilities shall be accessible to each resident according to his/her individual needs.

13.5.1 Traffic to and from any room shall not be through a bedroom or bathroom except where a bathroom opens directly off the room it serves.

13.5.2 There shall be at least one (1) window or mechanical ventilation to the outside of the bathroom.

13.5.3 Toilets, bathing and toileting appliances shall be equipped for use by residents with physical disabilities, as dictated by such residents' needs.

13.5.4 There shall be at least one (1) toilet of appropriate size for each four (4) residents. Each toilet shall be equipped with a toilet seat and toilet tissue.

13.5.5 There shall be at least one (1) wash basin and one (1) tub or shower for each four residents.

13.5.6 Wash basins with soap and towels shall be available in or immediately adjacent to bathrooms and/or toilet rooms.

13.5.7 Shower and tub areas shall be equipped with substantial hand-grip bars and slip-resistant surfaces.

13.5.8 Bathroom areas shall be equipped with mirrors for personal grooming. Mirrors shall be installed in such a way as to minimize the danger of breakage.

13.6 All group homes shall prepare regular and therapeutic menus. A copy of a recent diet manual shall be available for planning menus.

13.7 A minimum of three (3) meals shall be served in each twenty-four (24) hour period. There shall not be more than a fourteen (14) hour span between the evening meal and breakfast.

13.8 The food served shall be suitably prepared and of sufficient quality and quantity to meet the nutritional needs of the residents.

13.9 Special diets shall be served on the written prescription of the physician.

13.10 A registered dietitian shall plan, review, revise and document menus with resident input.

13.11 Menus showing food actually served shall be kept on file for at least one (1) month.

13.12 A three (3) day supply of food for emergency feeding shall be kept on the premises.

13.13 There shall be refrigeration for perishable foods in the group home. There shall be at least one (1) refrigerator and one (1) freezing unit in proper working order and capable of maintaining frozen foods in the frozen state and refrigerated foods at 41º F. or below.

13.14 Food returned from individual plates shall not be used in preparation of other food dishes or served again.

13.15 There shall be at least one (1) four (4) burner range and one (1) oven (or combination thereof) that is in proper working order.

13.16 There shall be at least one (1) sanitary trash or garbage receptacle.

13.17 There shall be adequate cleaning and disinfecting agents and supplies.

13.18 There shall be separate areas of storage for:

13.18.1 Food items;

13.18.2 Cleaning agents, disinfectants and polishes;

13.18.3 Poisons, chemicals and pesticides; and

13.18.4 Eating, serving and cooking utensils.

13.19 All containers of poisonous and toxic materials kept in a group home shall be prominently and distinctly marked or labeled for easy identification as to contents and shall be used only in such manner and under such conditions as will not contaminate food or constitute a hazard to the residents and staff. All poisonous or toxic materials shall be locked in secure storage spaces.

13.20 All outside doors and windows shall have screens if used for ventilation.

13.21 There shall be a dishwasher or facilities for performing a wash, rinse, and a final sanitizing rinse.

13.22 The kitchen shall be equipped with at least one (1) operable window or exhaust system for removal of smoke, odors and fumes.

13.23 There shall be walls and floors that are cleanable and counters that are both cleanable and impervious to water.

13.24 Every part of the building shall be kept free of offensive odors. Floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces shall be kept clean and in good repair.

13.25 Written policies that outline maintenance, electrical maintenance, cleaning procedures, storage of cleaning material, pesticides and other potentially toxic materials shall be prepared and followed.

13.26 There shall be a minimum of two (2) sets of towels, wash cloths, sheets and pillowcases per resident that shall be changed at least weekly, or more often if soiled.

13.27 Laundry should not be done in the kitchen area.

13.28 Exterminator services shall be required when there is evidence of any infestation.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 3305-IV-13.0