N.J. Admin. Code § 8:111-21.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 17, September 3, 2024

Section 8:111-21.3 - Client care environment

(a) The facility shall meet the following housekeeping and sanitation conditions and develop and maintain policies that reflect such conditions as noted in this subchapter:

1. The facility and its contents shall be clean to sight and touch and free of dirt and debris;

2. All rooms shall be free of condensation, mold growth and noxious odors;

3. All equipment and materials necessary for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing (if applicable) shall be available in the facility at all times;

4. Thermometers, which are accurate to within three degrees Fahrenheit shall be kept in a visible location in refrigerators, freezers and storerooms used for perishable and other items subject to deterioration;

5. Articles in storage shall be elevated from the floor and away from walls, ceilings, and air vents;

6. Aisles in storage areas shall be kept unobstructed;

7. Controls safe for clients, staff and pets shall be used to minimize and eliminate the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin in the facility, and to prevent the breeding, harborage or feeding of vermin.

i. All openings to the outer air shall be effectively protected against the entrance of insects and other vermin;

8. Toilet tissue, soap and disposable towels or air driers shall be provided in each bathroom at all times, with soap and disposable towels or air driers provided at each hand washing sink.

i. Bathrooms with multiple hand washing sinks shall provide at least one soap dispenser and one disposable towel dispenser or air drier for every two hand washing sinks.

ii. A soap dispenser and towel dispenser shall be provided by each hand washing sink and utility sink throughout the facility;

9. Mattresses, pillows, blankets, draperies, upholstery and other fabrics or decorations shall be fire-resistant and flameproof;

10. Latex foam pillows shall be prohibited;

11. Equipment requiring drainage shall be drained to a sanitary connection, in accordance with State and local codes;

12. The temperature within client areas of the facility shall be maintained at a minimum of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and shall not exceed 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

i. The facility shall maintain adequate ventilation in all areas used by clients.

ii. The facility shall establish a written heat emergency action plan to be implemented whenever the indoor air temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for four consecutive hours; and

13. Facilities serving women with dependent children on the premises shall ensure that children are not exposed to lead-based paint hazards in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 8:51, Childhood Lead Poisoning. Facilities constructed prior to 1978 shall be considered to contain lead-based paint unless an inspection and testing by an individual with a New Jersey Lead Inspector/Risk Assessor permit has determined that the paint does not contain lead.

(b) The facility shall meet the following safety conditions:

1. Non-skid wax shall be used on all waxed floors;

2. Throw rugs or scatter rugs shall not be used;

3. All equipment shall be located in an unobstructed space that has been provided for operation;

4. Pesticides shall be applied in accordance with the State Pesticide Control Code, N.J.A.C. 7:30;

5. All household and cleaning products in the facility shall be identified, labeled and securely stored in a cabinet, closet or room that is inaccessible to clients.

i. In halfway houses, all household and cleaning products may be accessible to adult clients, except that if children under the age of five years old are residents of the halfway house or are visiting. In those instances the halfway house shall store such products in locked cabinets;

6. Combustible materials shall not be stored in heater rooms or within 18 feet of any heater located in an open basement.

7. Paints, varnishes, lacquers, thinners and all other flammable materials shall be stored outside buildings in which clients are housed or otherwise have general access to, except that minimum supplies may be kept in such buildings in a locked storage room or in closets, locked metal cabinets or containers in a non-client area of the facility;

8. All furnishings shall be clean and in good repair, and mechanical equipment shall be in good working order.

i. Equipment shall be kept covered to protect from contamination and accessible for cleaning and inspection.

ii. Broken or worn items shall be repaired, replaced or removed promptly; and

9. The following shall apply to all areas accessible to children for facilities serving women with dependent children:

i. No poisonous plants shall be present;

ii. Toxic chemicals including cleaning agents shall be stored in locked cabinets or enclosed in areas not accessible to the children;

iii. All electrical outlets shall have protective covers;

iv. All fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs shall have protective covers or shields;

v. All windows and other glass surfaces that are not made of safety glass and that are located within three feet above the floor shall have protective guards;

vi. Non-permanent safety barriers (such as safety gates) shall be installed if the facility has stairs, ramps, balconies, porches or elevated play areas;

vii. Materials and furniture for indoor and outdoor use shall be of sturdy and safe construction, be easy to clean and free of hazards;

viii. Children shall be kept away from hot stoves, irons and ironing boards, knives, glassware and other equipment within the facility that may cause injury;

ix. Poisons, insect traps, rodent traps and similar products shall be kept out of reach of children;

x. All indoor and outdoor areas are maintained in a safe and sanitary manner; and

xi. All smoke detectors shall be fully operational.

(c) The residence shall ensure that children do not have access to medications administered by the facility.

(d) The facility shall develop policies and procedures addressing the client care environment that include safety precautions and a risk management process.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:111-21.3

Recodified from 10:161A-21.3 53 N.J.R. 2208(a), effective 12/20/2021