175 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 17, § 007

Current through June 17, 2024

Section 175-17-007 - PHYSICAL PLANT STANDARDS

The licensee must ensure that the facility is designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that is safe, clean, and functional for the type of services to be provided. Physical plant standards in 175 NAC 1 and the following apply.

007.01FOOD SERVICE. If food preparation is provided on site, the facility must dedicate space and equipment for the preparation of meals. Facilities licensed for more than 16 individuals must comply with the Food Code.

007.01(A)SMALL FACILITIES. For licensees who serve 16 or fewer clients or for areas of the facility used only for training or activity purposes, the licensee may follow the Food Code or the licensee meet the following requirements:

(i) An automatic dishwasher final rinse cycle temperature of not less than 150 degrees Fahrenheit must be used;

(ii) Refrigerated foods must be stored between 35 and 45 degrees. Frozen foods must be stored below 32 degrees;

(iii) Temperatures of potentially hazardous foods must be 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below or 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above at all times;

(iv) Food preparation and eating areas must be sanitary; and

(v) All equipment and utensils, including dishes, glassware, and silverware used in the serving or preparation of food or drink for individuals must be thoroughly cleaned after each use and stored in a manner to ensure they are kept free of dust, vermin, and contamination.

007.02LAUNDRY. Written procedures must be implemented, and revised, as necessary, for the storage and handling of soiled and clean laundry and linens in accordance current, accepted standards of practice and in a manner to reduce any risk of cross-contamination and or infections. Laundry may be completed onsite or by contract with an outside entity.

007.02(A)CONTRACT. If contractual services are used, areas for soiled laundry awaiting pickup and separate areas for storage and distribution of clean laundry must be used.

007.02(B)ON-SITE. If on-site services are provided, areas dedicated to laundry must be provided and include the following:

(i) Laundry areas must be equipped with a washer and dryer;

(ii) Laundry areas must be divided into separate soiled areas for sorting and washing and separate clean areas for drying, folding, and mending. In new construction, there must be a conveniently located sink for soaking and hand washing of laundry and a housekeeping room; and

(iii) Water temperatures in the laundry must exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or an acceptable sanitizer or disinfectant must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

007.03WASTE PROCESSING. areas to collect, contain, process, and dispose of waste produced within the facility in a manner to prevent the attraction of rodents, flies, and all other insects and vermin, and to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases.

007.04COSMETOLOGY AND BARBER SERVICES. When provided, cosmetology and barber services must be in conformance with the Nebraska Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art Practice Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 38-1001 to 38-10,171 and the Barber Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 71-201 to 71-255.

007.05PHARMACEUTICAL. The services must be provided in compliance with statutes governing the practice of pharmacy.

007.06FLOOR AREA. Floor area is the space with ceilings at least 7 feet in height and excludes enclosed storage, toilet and bathing rooms, corridors, and halls. The space beyond the first 2 feet of vestibules and alcoves less than feet in width is not included in the required floor area. In rooms with sloped ceilings, at least half of the ceiling must be at least seven feet in height. Areas less than five feet in height are not included in the required floor area.

007.07DINING AND ACTIVITY AREAS. Adequate space for dining, socialization, and leisure activities must be provided. A minimum of 15 square feet per individual in existing facilities and 20 square feet per individual in new construction is required. Dining and activity areas cannot be used for sleeping, offices, or corridors.

007.08BATHING ROOMS. The facility must provide a bathing room consisting of a tub and/or shower equipped with hand grips or other assistive devices as needed or desired by the individual. The facility must have one bathing fixture per 20 licensed beds in existing facilities, and one fixture per eight licensed beds in new facilities and new construction.

007.09TOILET ROOMS. The facility must provide a room with a sink and toilet for individuals' use with one fixture per eight licensed beds in existing facilities, and one fixture per four licensed beds in new facilities and new construction.

007.10BEDROOMS. The facility must provide bedrooms that provide for sleeping, afford privacy, provide reasonable access to furniture and belongings, and accommodate the needs of the individual. All bedrooms must:

(A) Not be accessed through a bathroom, food preparation area, laundry, office, or another bedroom;

(B) Be located on an outside wall with an operable window with a minimum glass size of 6 square feet per individual in new construction and new facilities;

(C) Contain at least 35 cubic feet of storage volume per individual in dressers, closets, wardrobes, or other similar types of storage;

(D) Have 80 square feet of floor area for a single bed room and 60 square feet of floor area per individual in a multiple bed room; and

(E) Not exceed 4 beds per room in existing facilities and 2 beds per room in new construction and new facilities.

007.11CORRIDORS. The facility's corridors must be wide enough to allow passage and be equipped as needed by the individuals with safety and assistive devices. All stairways and ramps must have handrails.

007.12DOORS. The facility's doors must be wide enough to allow passage and be equipped as needed by the individuals for privacy and safety.

007.13OUTDOOR AREAS. The facility must provide an outdoor area for individuals' use. It must be equipped and situated to provide for safety and the abilities of the individuals.

007.14EMERGENCY TELEPHONE. The facility must provide non-coin operated telephone(s) in working order, accessible to individuals based on their needs, located on the premises for local calls and emergencies. Emergency numbers must be easily accessible near the telephone.

007.15PRIVACY. window coverings to ensure visual privacy of the individuals.

007.16BUILDING SYSTEMS: The facility must have building systems that are designed, installed, and that operate in a manner to provide for the safety, comfort, and well being of the clients.

007.17WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS. The facility must have and maintain an accessible, adequate, safe, and potable supply of water.

(A) Where an authorized public water supply of satisfactory quantity, quality, and pressure is available, the facility must be connected to it and its supply used exclusively.

(B) If the facility does not utilize an authorized public water supply, the facility must construct, maintain, and operate the water supply as if it were a public water system in accordance with the regulations governing Public Water Systems, 179 NAC 2-002, 3 and 4. The facility must construct all water wells in accordance with 178 NAC 12.

007.18.HOT WATER SYSTEM. All buildings must have hot and cold water to all handwashing and bathing locations with water temperatures for the comfort and safety of each individual. Hot water temperatures must not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

007.19HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS. The facility must provide a heating and air conditioning system for the comfort of the individuals and capable of maintaining temperatures of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit during heating conditions and that does not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit during cooling conditions.

007.20VENTILATION SYSTEM. The facility must provide exhaust and clean air to prevent the concentrations of contaminants which impair health or cause discomfort to clients and staff.

007.21ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The facility must have an electrical system that has sufficient capacity to maintain the services that are provided and that provides proper grounds.

007.22ILLUMINATION. Minimum illumination levels which are measured at 30 inches above the floor in multiple areas in the room must provide as follows:

(A) General purpose areas - 5 foot candles;

(B) General corridors and individuals' living areas - 10 foot candles;

(C) Personal care and food preparation areas - 20 foot candles; and

(D) Activity areas - 30 foot candles.

007.23EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM. If the licensee provides services to individuals who need electrical life support equipment, the facility must maintain an emergency power system for that equipment.

175 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 17, § 007

Amended effective 5/5/2024