16 Del. Admin. Code § 3230-5.0
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024
Section 3230-5.0 - Plant, Equipment and Physical Environment5.1 Site Provisions. Each Rest Residential Home shall be located on a site which is considered suitable by the Department of Health and Social Services. Site must have good drainage, be suitable for disposal of sewage and provide a potable water supply.5.2 Water Supply and Sewage Disposal: 5.2.1 The water supply and the sewage disposal system shall be approved by the Division of Public Health and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, respectively.5.2.2 The water system shall be designed to supply adequate hot and cold water, under pressure, at all times.5.3 Building: 5.3.1 All new construction, extensive remodeling or conversions shall comply with the applicable parts of the standards as set forth under the most recent edition of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, a publication of the Department of Health, and Human Services, and its amendments.5.3.2 Existing Facilities shall have: 5.3.2.1 Window space shall not be less than one-tenth (1/10) of the floor space. Up to a twenty-five (25%) reduction can be allowed when approved mechanical ventilation, is utilized in multi-bedrooms.5.3.2.2 All windows in rooms to be used by residents are to be so constructed to eliminate drafts and to provide adequate light and ventilation.5.3.2.3 Residents' rooms shall open directly into a corridor.5.3.2.4 Existing facilities accommodating residents who regularly require wheelchairs shall comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act standards.5.4 The plumbing shall meet the requirements of all municipal and county codes. Where there are no local codes, the provisions of the Division of Public Health's Sanitary Plumbing Code shall prevail.5.5 Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) in common areas shall be maintained at a temperature between 71°F and 81°F. A resident with an individual temperature controlled residential room or unit may heat and cool to provide individual comfort.5.6 Lighting. Each room shall be suitably lighted at all times for maximum safety, comfort, sanitation and efficiency of operation. A minimum of thirty (30) foot candles of light shall be provided for all working and reading surfaces, and a minimum of ten (10) foot candles of light on all other areas. This includes hallways, stairways, storerooms, and bathrooms.5.7 Safety Equipment: 5.7.1 To prevent slipping, staircases shall have stair treads and sturdy handrails.5.7.2 Stairways shall be well lighted, with electric switches at both the top and bottom or continuous illumination or motion activated illumination.5.7.3 Hallways shall have night lights5.7.4 Low windows, open porches, changes in floor levels and areas on the ground shall not present safety hazards.5.7.5 Floor surfaces shall not be slippery and shall be kept in good repair. If rugs are used, they should be free of such hazards as curled edges, rips or potential for slipping.5.7.6 All doors for areas used by residents shall be capable of being opened from either side and comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act standards.5.8 Bedrooms: 5.8.1 Each bedroom shall be well lighted and well ventilated. Each bedroom shall be an outside room with at least one (1) window opening directly to the outside. The window sill shall be no more than three (3) feet above the floor and above grade. Windows shall be so constructed as to allow a maximum of sunlight and air and to eliminate drafts, and easy to open and close.5.8.2 Bedrooms for one (1) person shall be at least one hundred (100) square feet in size and bedrooms for more than one (1) person shall provide eighty (80) square feet of floor space per person, and be arranged for comfort. The ceiling shall not be less than seven (7) feet from the floor.5.8.3 Each bedroom is to have walls that go to the ceiling, and have a door that can be closed.5.8.4 The beds shall be at least four (4) feet apart in multi bedrooms.5.8.5 Adequate electrical outlets shall be conveniently located in each bedroom. A reading light shall be provided for each resident. At least one (1) light fixture shall be switched at the entrance of each bedroom.5.8.6 Walls shall be finished in colors which are light and cheerful.5.8.7 Facilities shall ensure adequate privacy.5.8.8 The maximum capacity per bedroom shall be two (2) residents.5.9 Bathrooms: 5.9.1 Bathrooms shall be constructed so that the walls and floors are impervious to water. At least one (1) window or mechanical ventilation to the outside shall be provided. Floors shall not be slippery.5.9.2 Bathtubs or showers shall be provided at the rate of one (1) for every four (4) residents. Each tub or shower shall be located in an individual room or enclosure which provides space for the private use or the bathing fixture and for drying and dressing.5.9.3 At least one (1) toilet for every four (4) residents and one (1) washbasin, with hot and cold water, for every four (4) residents shall be located on the floor occupied by the residents. When more than one (1) toilet is located in the same room, provisions for private use shall be made.5.9.4 Each toilet, bathtub or shower used by residents shall be provided with a substantial hand-grip.5.9.5 Hot water as shower, bathing and hand-washing facilities shall not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit.5.10 Dayroom and Dining Area: 5.10.1 There shall be provided one (1) or more areas that are adequate in size and furnished for resident dining, recreational and social activities. At least thirty (30) square feet per resident will be assigned to these areas.5.10.2 When a multi purpose room is used, it shall have sufficient space to prevent interference of one activity with another.5.11 Kitchen and Food Storage Areas. Facilities shall comply with the Delaware Food Code.5.12 Sanitation and Housekeeping: 5.12.1 Waste materials, obsolete and unnecessary articles, tin cans, rubbish and other litter shall not be permitted to accumulate on the premises of the home.5.12.2 All rooms and every part of the building shall be kept clean, orderly and free of offensive odors.5.12.3 Infectious waste shall be stored in sanitary containers and disposed of in a sanitary manner.5.12.4 When a separate sink is not provided for janitorial duties, the sink shall be sanitized after each use.5.12.5 No laundry or janitorial operations can be carried out where food is prepared, served or stored.5.12.6 If linen chutes are used, they will be provided with adequate means of cleaning.5.12.7 All areas used for soiled linen are to be vented outside and have a higher air removal rate than the surrounding area.5.12.8 The laundry room shall provide for keeping the soiled linen separate from the clean, and have hand washing facilities accessible to this area. The laundry shall contain equipment sufficient to take care of a minimum of seven (7) days' needs. A laundry room is not required if all laundry is processed outside the facility.5.12.9 All bathrooms shall include hand washing facilities, soap and individual towels.The water temperature shall not exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit.5.12.10 The facility shall contract with a licensed pest control vendor to ensure that the entire facility is free of live insects and other vermin. Preventive measures for insect and rodent control must be in effect. All exterior openings used for outside ventilation shall be effectively screened during the fly season. Screen doors shall open outward. All screening shall have at least sixteen (16) mesh per inch.5.13 Equipment and Supplies: 5.13.1 Each resident shall be provided with: 5.13.1.1 A bed in good repair and having a comfortable, well constructed mattress. This mattress shall be covered or protected with non porous material.5.13.1.2 A bedside stand.5.13.1.3 A minimum of two (2) drawers in a chest of drawers.5.13.1.4 A private and enclosed space of at least two (2) linear feet for hanging clothing.5.13.1.6 A means of communication shall be provided for residents to alert staff.16 Del. Admin. Code § 3230-5.0