Statutes, codes, and regulations
Maine Administrative Code
Department 10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESDivision 144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERALChapter 113 - Regulations Governing the Licensing and Functioning of Assisted Housing Programs (includes Assisted Living Programs, Residential Care Facilities, and Private Non-Medical Institutions) (formerly 10-149 Ch. 113)
Residential Care Facilities
Section 144-113-I-15 - Living Area and Sleeping Accommodations

10-144-113 Me. Code R. § I-15

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Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024
Section 144-113-I-15 - Living Area and Sleeping Accommodations
15.1 Living and dining areas. Residents shall be provided an area for dining and relaxation sufficient in size to accommodate the provider's family and the residents. Comfortable, non-folding chairs must be provided. The rooms shall be well lighted and free of hazards. A television set for use by the residents shall be available.
15.2 Bedrooms.
15.2.1 For facilities initially licensed on or after May 29, 1998, a minimum of one hundred (100) square feet of usable floor space shall be provided in a single bedroom. A minimum of eighty (80) square feet of usable floor space per person shall be provided in multiple occupancy bedrooms.
15.2.2 For all facilities initially licensed before May 29, 1998, a minimum of eighty (80) square feet of usable floor space shall be provided in a single bedroom. A minimum of seventy (70) square feet of usable floor space per person shall be provided in multiple occupancy bedrooms.
15.2.3 Usable floor space shall be calculated only for that floor space having a ceiling height of a minimum of six (6) feet, except as provided in Section 15.2.4. Corridors, passageways, vestibules, alcoves, closets and wardrobe space shall be excluded from the calculations of usable floor space.
15.2.4 Usable floor space shall include on a 2:1 basis the areas having a ceiling height of between four (4) and six (6) feet. (Two [2] square feet yields one [1] usable square foot.) Up to twenty (20) square feet of this area (yielding up to ten [10] square feet) may be counted toward usable floor space for the room.
15.2.5 There shall be no more than two (2) people in each room. Couples who are both residents of the facility have the right to share a room.
15.2.6 Each resident bedroom shall have a solid door that can be closed for privacy.
15.2.7 Each resident bedroom shall have at least one (1) exterior wall and a window glass equal to at least one tenth (1/10) of the minimum required floor space per Sections 15.2.1 and 15.2.2. Windows shall be operable and equipped with window shades or an equivalent and curtains or drapes that provide privacy. Window covers must be kept in good repair. In air-conditioned buildings, at least one window in each room must be able to be opened.
15.2.8 Each resident bedroom shall have direct access to a corridor without passing through a bathroom or another resident bedroom. No resident room shall be used for access to other rooms or corridors. [Class III]
15.2.9 Each resident shall be provided with adequate closet, locker or wardrobe space for hanging clothing.
15.2.10 Each resident shall be offered a bed and mattress that is at least thirty-six (36) inches wide, substantially constructed and in good repair. Rollaway beds, metal cots or folding beds do not meet this requirement.
15.2.11 Beds shall be placed so they are easily serviceable and not subjected to extremes of heat or cold. No bed shall be placed within three (3) feet of a heating unit, unless the unit is properly protected.
15.2.12 For each bed there shall be offered:
15.2.12.1 At least two (2) dresser drawers;
15.2.12.2 A comfortable non-folding chair in good repair;
15.2.12.3 A bedside table; and
15.2.12.4 A reading lamp.
15.2.13 The facility shall permit and encourage residents to use their own furnishings, space permitting.
15.2.14 For residents who need assistance with personal housekeeping, resident rooms and furniture shall be regularly cleaned and well maintained. Resident rooms shall be well lighted and in good repair.
15.2.15 There must be a direct source of heat to each bedroom.
15.2.16 There shall be an adequate towel, linen and bedding supply in addition to those in use, so that a complete linen change is available in the facility at all times.
15.2.17 Residents shall not share bedrooms with members of the provider's family who are not receiving assisted living services, unless the facility obtains written permission from the Department. Permission will be granted if the arrangement is in the resident's best interest and is acceptable to the resident or the resident's guardian or conservator.
15.3 Renting space. The distinct part of the facility licensed pursuant to these regulations shall have no rented apartments, rooms or space for persons other than residents, except when used by the licensee, administrator, immediate family members or employees of the facility.

10-144 C.M.R. ch. 113, § I-15