La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-4769

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section I-4769 - Physical Environment

A. Exterior Space

1. A provider shall maintain the grounds of the facility in an acceptable manner and shall ensure that the grounds are free from any hazard to health or safety.

a. Garbage and rubbish which is stored outside shall be stored securely in non-combustible, covered containers and shall be removed on a regular basis.

b. Trash collection receptacles and incinerators shall be separate from play area and be located as to avoid being a nuisance to neighbors.

c. Fences shall be in good repair.

d. Areas determined to be unsafe, including steep grades, cliffs, open pits, swimming pools, high voltage boosters, or high speed roads, shall be fenced off or have natural barriers to protect clients.

e. Playground equipment shall be so located, installed and maintained as to ensure the safety of clients.

2. A provider shall have access to outdoor recreational space and suitable recreational equipment.

3. A provider shall provide adequate lighting of exterior areas to ensure the safety of clients and staff during the night.

B. Interior Space

1. Each living unit shall contain a space for the free and informal use of clients. This space shall be constructed and equipped in a manner consonant with the programmatic goals of the provider.

C. Dining Areas

1. A provider shall provide dining areas which permit children, staff and guests to eat together in small groups.

2. A provider shall provide dining areas which are clean, well-lighted, ventilated and attractively furnished.

D. Sleeping Accommodations

1. A provider shall ensure that sheets, pillow, bedspread and blankets are provided for each client.

a. Sheets and pillow cases shall be changed at least weekly, but shall be changed more frequently, if necessary.

2. A provider shall provide clients with solidly constructed beds. Cots or other portable beds are not to be used on a routine basis.

3. A provider shall ensure that the uppermost mattress of any bunk bed in use shall be far enough from the ceiling to allow the occupant to sit up in bed.

4. A provider shall provide each client in care with his/her own dresser or other adequate storage space for private use, and designated space for hanging clothing in proximity to the bedroom occupied by the client.

5. Each client in care of a provider shall have his/her own designated areas for rest and sleep.

E. Bathrooms

1. A provider shall provide toilets and baths or showers which allow for individual privacy unless clients in care require assistance.

a. Each bathroom shall be properly equipped with toilet paper, towels, soap and other items required for personal hygiene unless clients are individually given such items.

b. Tubs and showers shall have slip-proof surfaces.

2. A provider shall ensure that bathrooms have a safe and adequate supply of hot and cold running water. This water shall be potable.

3. A provider shall ensure that bathrooms contain mirrors secured to the walls at convenient heights and other furnishings necessary to meet the clients' basic hygienic needs.

4. A provider shall ensure that bathrooms are equipped to facilitate maximum self-help by clients. Bathroom shall be large enough to permit staff assistance of children, if necessary.

5. Toilets, wash basins, and other plumbing or sanitary facilities in a facility shall, at all times, be maintained in good operating condition, and shall be kept free of any materials that might clog or otherwise impair their operation.

F. Kitchens

1. Kitchens used for meal preparation shall be provided with the necessary equipment for the preparation, storage, serving and clean up of all meals for all of the clients and staff regularly served by such kitchen. All equipment shall be maintained in working order.

2. A provider shall not use disposable dinnerware at meals on a regular basis unless the facility documents that such dinnerware is necessary to protect the health or safety of clients in care.

3. A provider shall ensure that all dishes, cups and glasses used by clients in care are free from chips, cracks or other defects.

a. All reusable eating and drinking utensils shall be sanitized after a thorough washing and rinsing.

4. Animals shall not be permitted in food storage, preparation, and dining areas.

G. Furnishings

1. A provider shall have comfortable customary furniture as appropriate for all living areas. Furniture for the use of clients shall be appropriately designed to suit the size and capabilities of these clients.

a. A provider shall ensure that there is evidence of routine maintenance and cleaning programs in all areas of the provider.

H. Laundry Space

1. A provider shall have a laundry space with washer and dryer.

I. Storage

1. A provider shall ensure that there are sufficient and appropriate storage facilities.

2. A provider shall have securely locked storage space for all potentially harmful materials. Keys to such storage spaces shall only be available to authorized staff members.

a. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored in storage.

J. Electrical Systems

1. A provider shall provide adequate lighting of exterior areas to ensure the safety of clients and staff during the night.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-4769

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of the Secretary, Division of Licensing and Certification, LR 13:246 (April 1987).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R. S. 46:2125.