Rule 290-2-6-.22 - Infection Control, Physical Plant and Safety(1)Infection Control. Each center shall have procedures for infection control. Policies and procedures shall be written, assembled and available to all staff to reduce the risk of infections originating, occurring, or acquired in the center. Such policies and procedures shall be included in an on-going prevention training program. (a) Procedures to isolate children to prevent the spread of infections as deemed appropriate;(b) Procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous waste products and soiled linens and diapers;(c) Procedures for hand washing and hand antisepsis;(d) Procedures to ensure that any person whose duties include direct child care, handling food, or handling clean linens, and who has an acute illness or readily contagious condition, shall not be allowed to work until no longer contagious;(e) Procedures for reporting communicable diseases as required by the rules and regulations for notification of disease which have been promulgated by the Department.(2)Physical Plant and Safety. Each center shall be physically separate and apart from any other facility licensed by the Department under O.C.G.A. 49-5-12.(3)Required Approvals.(a) A center shall be in compliance with all applicable zoning laws, ordinances, or rules and regulations which apply to its operation.(b) All water and sewage disposal systems, if other than approved city and county systems, shall be approved by the proper authorities having jurisdiction.(c) A center shall submit proof of compliance with applicable laws and regulations issued by the State Fire Marshal, the proper local fire marshal, or state inspector, including a certificate of occupancy if required. The premises of the center shall have functioning fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.(d) All buildings and grounds shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with these rules. Centers that initially apply for a license or current licensees that plan to renovate buildings for housing residents shall submit building blueprints or similar schematic drawings or diagrams for review and approval by the department.(4)Accessibility. All centers serving a child or children dependent on a wheelchair or other device for mobility shall have: (a) At least two exits from the center, remote from each other, that are accessible to the child in the wheelchair and with easily negotiable ramps;(b) All doorways and halls leading to exits, bedrooms, bathrooms, and social areas shall accommodate wheelchair access;(c) At least one bathroom of sufficient size to accommodate a wheelchair and an assisting staff member.(5)Sleeping Areas.(a) The center shall have separate sleeping areas which contain not less than 63 square feet of usable floor space per resident. Single bedrooms shall contain at least 75 square feet of usable floor space. Usable floor space does not include built-in closet space. Beds shall be arranged to provide for at least three feet of space between the heads, foot, and sides of each bed. Boys and girls shall sleep in separate sleeping areas.(b) Each child shall be provided with his or her own personal space and furnishings for storage of clothes and personal belongings.(c) Each child shall be provided his or her own personal bed and mattress that is no shorter than the child's height and at least thirty inches wide. Clean sheets, pillows and pillow cases, blankets or bed covering shall be provided and sheets and pillow cases shall be changed or cleaned at least weekly. Waterproof mattresses shall be provided as needed as required by the child's assessment and comprehensive service plan.(d) Bedrooms shall be provided with outside ventilation by means of windows, air conditioners, or mechanical ventilation.(e) No staff member shall sleep in children's bedrooms. Separate sleeping quarters and lavatory for staff shall be provided in the living units.(6)Lavatory and Bathing Facilities.(a) There shall be lavatory (water basin and toilet) and bathing facilities for children that shall be located near the sleeping areas. Such facilities shall not be used routinely by staff or boys and girls simultaneously.(b) There shall be at least one lavatory equipped with hot and cold water and mirror for every six residents or fraction thereof. Rooms that contain more than one toilet shall contain stalls for individual privacy. Each lavatory shall be supplied with toilet paper and holders, and individual hand towels, or disposable towels, or mechanical hand drying equipment. Each toilet shall have grab bars firmly installed and convenient to use.(c) There shall be at least one shower or bathtub with hot and cold water for every six residents or fraction thereof. Bathtubs and shower stalls shall be equipped with nonslip surfaces and have grab bars firmly installed and convenient to use.(d) Lavatory areas shall be ventilated with either an open screened window or functioning exhaust fan.(7)Living Room. For centers licensed on or after the effective date of these rules, the center shall maintain a living room or den for the children residing in a living unit. Such space shall be equipped with comfortable furnishings suitable for relaxation and social interaction.(8)Dining Area. The center shall maintain a dining area that is furnished to permit children, staff, and guests to eat together in a small group or groups.(9)Climate Control. The center shall be maintained at a temperature range of sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit to eighty-two (82) degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the season of the year.(10)Ceilings and Walls. All ceilings shall be at least seven (7) feet in height. Ceiling and walls shall be of good repair.(11)Windows. All windows that can be opened and that are used for ventilation shall have insect window screens. Windows and screens must be in good repair.(12) The center shall be kept clean and free of hazards to health and safety and of debris and pests. (a) Firearms or ammunition shall not be allowed on the center's premises.(b) An effective pest control system shall be implemented. Pesticides, disinfectants, chemicals, and cleaning supplies, with hazardous labels, shall be stored in designated areas away from children and if used by children, such use shall be supervised by staff.(13)Exterior Grounds. Exterior grounds of the center shall be free of hazards to health and safety. (a) Garbage which is stored outside shall be stored in covered containers and shall be emptied at least weekly. Garbage storage areas and containers shall be cleaned periodically to eliminate buildup of dirt and grime that attracts pests and rodents.(b) Playgrounds and recreation areas used by children shall be kept clean and free from litter and hazards to health and safety.(c) Swimming Pools. If a center has a swimming pool on its grounds, such pool shall be enclosed with protective fencing and be free of contamination. A certified lifeguard shall be in attendance at all times that a swimming pool is in use by any resident.(14)Transportation.(a) Vehicles used by a center to transport children shall be insured and shall have a satisfactory annual safety inspection of brakes, exhaust system, headlights, steering, stop lights, suspension, tail lights, tires, turn signals, and windows and windshield wipers. Such inspection shall be documented on a GDHR Annual Transportation Vehicle Safety Inspection Certification (Form 699) or its equivalent.(b) When transporting children, a center's vehicle shall only be operated by a staff member or an authorized resident who possesses a valid driver's license as required for the class of the vehicle operated. If a center authorizes residents to drive, it shall establish and implement policies and procedures relative to the use of center vehicles by such residents.(c) No vehicle shall be used to transport more children than the manufacturer's rated seating capacity for the vehicle.(d) All vehicles used to transport children shall be equipped with safety equipment as required by federal and state laws.(15) Children shall not be required to sleep in areas of the premises that are not routinely used as or specifically designated as bedrooms such as doorways, hallways, bathrooms, closets, crawl spaces, fire escapes, kitchens, communal living areas, etc.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 290-2-6-.22
O.C.G.A. Secs. 40-8-76, 49-5-8, 49-5-12.
Original Rule entitled "Infection Control, Physical Plant and Safety" adopted. F. Jan. 27, 2009; eff. Feb. 16, 2009.