Rule 111-8-71-.12 - Physical Environment and Safety(1) A facility must be designed, constructed, equipped and maintained to protect the health and safety of clients and staff.(2) Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be in good repair.(3) A facility must be in compliance with applicable fire safety laws, and regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner.(4) A facility must provide sufficient space and equipment in recreation, program, and treatment and rehabilitation areas to provide needed services as required by these rules and as identified in each client's individual, written program plan.(5) A facility must be wheelchair accessible.(6) Client rooms must be designed and equipped for adequate care and treatment, comfort, and privacy of clients. Bedrooms must:(a) Accommodate no more than four clients;(b) Measure at least 80 square feet per client in multiple client bedrooms and at least 100 square feet in single client bedrooms;(c) Be an outside room with direct access to a corridor or hallway and with a window space equal to at least one-eighth of the floor area; and(d) Have a floor at or above grade level.(7) Each client must be provided with a separate bed of proper size and height for the convenience of the client; a clean, comfortable mattress; clean linen and bedding appropriate to the weather and climate; functional furnishings appropriate to the client's needs; and individual closet space in the client's bedroom with clothes racks and shelves accessible to the client.(8) Each resident room must be equipped with or located near lavatory, toilet and bathing facilities. Such facilities used by clients in wheelchairs must be equipped for their use. A functional lavatory, toilet, and bath or shower shall be provided for every five residents or fraction thereof.(9) A facility must provide a safe, functional, sanitary, and comfortable environment for clients and staff. (a) Adequate outside ventilation by means of windows, or mechanical ventilation or a combination of the two shall be provided.(b) An adequate pest control program so that the facility is free of pests and rodents shall be maintained.(c) An adequate climate control system shall be maintained.(10) Facilities that have motor vehicles for the transportation of clients shall ensure that vehicles are maintained in a safe condition with insurance coverage. Facility operators shall possess valid driver's licenses for the class of vehicles used for transportation. Safety restraining devices and equipment must be available in vehicles transporting clients with disabilities. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-71-.12
O.C.G.A. § 31-7-2.1.
Original Rule entitled "Physical Environment and Safety" adopted. F. Sep. 9, 2013; eff. Sept. 29, 2013.