N.J. Admin. Code § 10:44A-6.13

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 10:44A-6.13 - Bedrooms

(a) Occupancy shall be limited to floors on or above grade level. Bedrooms may be situated in basements under the following conditions:

1. More than half the height of the room is above grade level;

2. The room is provided with two or more independent means of egress, at least one of which leads directly outside.

i. An operable window with a net clear opening of at least five square feet, a minimum net clear opening of 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width, with a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the finished floor is acceptable as one of the means of egress; and

3. There are no other conditions that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

(b) There shall be no access to common areas or other bedrooms through an individual's bedroom.

(c) A maximum of two individuals shall share a bedroom.

(d) Bedrooms shall contain the following minimum space per person:

1. 70 square feet for occupancy by one person;

2. 130 square feet for occupancy by two persons.

(e) At least one half of the floor area of every individual room shall have a ceiling height of 71/2 feet.

1. The floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling is less than five feet shall not be considered allowable floor space.

(f) Each individual shall be provided with the following bedroom furnishings, in good repair, the style of which is consistent with his or her preference unless otherwise specified by the PT:

1. A standard or platform bed frame;

2. A minimum of a four-inch thick mattress of fire resistant material and of sufficient size;

3. A box spring of sufficient size, unless a platform bed or spring bed frame is used;

i. Fold-up convertible type beds, roll-aways, cots, hide-a-beds and double deck beds shall be prohibited unless a situation warrants short-term use.

4. Lighting;

5. Ample linen supplies consisting of, at a minimum:

i. A clean pillow, of non-allergenic material if necessary;

ii. Two sets of bed linens and pillowcases; and

iii. One mattress cover, one blanket, and one bed covering. Shipping plastic shall be removed from the mattress and box spring.

6. Drawers or a closet for the storage of personal possessions and in-season clothing, provided in the individual's room; and

7. One mirror, securely fastened to the wall and/or fastened to a dresser at a height appropriate for the use of the person(s) occupying the room.

(g) Individuals may choose to decorate their bedrooms according to individual taste and preference.

(h) Every bedroom shall have an operable door for privacy, equipped with standard hardware that provides a privacy lock that can be readily opened from the outside in an emergency, and with only appropriate staff having access to the key, as needed. Hooks and eyes, bolts, bars, and other similar devices shall not be used on bedroom doors.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:44A-6.13

Amended by 55 N.J.R. 171(a), effective 2/6/2023