Rule 290-2-21-.04 - Health Aspects(1) General Sanitation. Proper facilities for sanitation shall be provided throughout the building and premises for the purpose of insuring cleanliness and protection against disease.(2) Water. Drinking water shall be supplied from an approved public supply if available; if not available, the private system shall comply with county and State ordinances and codes.(3) Sewerage. Sewerage shall be disposed of through municipal systems where such are available. If municipal systems are not available, the private system shall comply with the existing local and State ordinances.(4) Heat, Light, and Ventilation. (a) Heating facilities shall conform to recommendations of competent heating and plumbing engineers. All heating systems shall be installed with safety devices, to prevent fire, explosion and other hazards.(b) Natural light shall be available in every room used by the unmarried mother and staff. Window areas shall not be less than 1/6 of the floor area of each room.(c) In combination with natural light, electric lighting shall be installed of sufficient quantity and diffusion as to prevent injury to eyesight.(d) Natural ventilation shall be available in every room used by the unmarried mother and staff. Cross ventilation shall be provided in sleeping rooms. Rooms which are abnormally damp shall not be used as living quarters.(5) Bath and Toilet Facilities. (a) There shall be an adequate supply of hot and cold water to serve the Maternity Home. Toilet facilities shall be maintained in a sanitary condition equal to standards prescribed by the local health department or the Department of Human Resources.(b) There shall be separate toilet and bath facilities for the unmarried mothers and staff.(c) There shall not be less than one lavatory with hot and cold water, one toilet, and a bathtub or shower for every four unmarried mothers. Both tubs and showers are desirable, one or the other to be used in accordance with the physician's recommendations.(d) All showers, tubs, and toilets should be in stalls with provision for privacy.(6) Sleeping Facilities. (a) The area of a sleeping room shall not be less than 700 cubic feet per unmarried mother in single rooms, and 500 cubic feet per unmarried mother in multiple rooms.(b) Each unmarried mother shall have a separate bed which has substantial springs, a comfortable mattress, and suitable bed covering.(c) Beds shall be at least four feet apart at the head, foot, and sides.(d) Each unmarried mother shall have adequate closet and drawer space for personal possessions in the room assigned to her.(e) Sleeping quarters shall not be below the ground level.(7) Nursery. (a) Size. The nursery shall be large enough to allow a minimum of 30 square feet of floor space and 300 cubic feet of air space per infant.(b) Location, Ventilation, Lighting and Construction.1. The nursery should be near the maternity rooms but out of the line of traffic.2. There should be outside windows for lighting and ventilation. Temperature should be kept constant at about 80°F with a relative humidity of 50%.3. Walls, ceiling, and floors should be washable.(c) An isolation nursery should be equipped for use of any infant who is ill or suspected of being ill.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-21-.04
Ga. L. 1963, pp. 81-121; Ga. L. 1972, pp. 1015, 1046, 1048. Effective November 10, 1974.
Original Rule was filed on October 21, 1974; effective November 10, 1974.