N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-17.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:36-17.3 - Resident environment

(a) The housekeeping and sanitation conditions in paragraphs 1 through 12 below shall be met. Application of this requirement with respect to the individual living environment shall take into consideration residents' personal preferences for style of living:

1. The facility and its contents, including all surfaces such as tables, floors, walls, beds and dressers, shall be clean to sight and touch and free of dirt and debris;

2. All rooms shall be ventilated to help prevent condensation, mold growth, and noxious odors;

3. All resident areas shall be free of noxious odors;

4. All furnishings shall be clean and in good repair, and mechanical equipment shall be in working order. Items which are broken or worn to the extent that they may cause discomfort or present danger to residents shall be repaired, replaced, or removed promptly;

5. All equipment and materials necessary for cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and sterilizing (if applicable) shall be provided;

6. For central kitchens, thermometers which are accurate to within three degrees Fahrenheit shall be kept in a visible location within refrigerators, freezers, and storerooms used for perishable and other items subject to deterioration. Temperatures shall be maintained in accordance with N.J.A.C. 8:24-3.2;

7. Lighted and ventilated storage spaces shall be provided in the facility for the proper storage of residents' clothing, linens, drugs, food, cleaning and other supplies;

8. Articles in storage shall be elevated from the floor and away from walls (if moisture is present), ceilings, and air vents;

9. Unobstructed aisles shall be provided in storage areas;

10. Effective and safe controls shall be used to minimize and eliminate the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin in the facility;

11. When facility housekeeping services are provided, items such as bedpans, toilets and sinks shall be disinfected, using a process for disinfection established by the facility; and

12. Toilet tissue, soap, paper towels or air dryers, and waste receptacles shall be provided in each common area toilet facility at all times. A self-draining dish or device shall be provided for storage of bar soap, if bar soap is used. Residents' personal cloth towels may be used in residential units.

(b) The following safety conditions shall be met:

1. Non-carpeted floors in public areas shall be coated with slip-resistant floor finish, and any carpeting in public areas shall be kept clean and odor free and shall not be frayed, worn, torn, or buckled;

2. All equipment shall have unobstructed space provided for operation;

3. Pesticides shall be applied in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:30;

4. All household and cleaning products used by facility staff shall be identified, labeled, and secured. All poisonous and toxic materials shall be identified, labeled, and stored in a locked cabinet or room. The telephone number of the poison control center shall be conspicuously posted in the facility;

5. Combustible materials shall be stored in accordance with fire safety requirements specified in the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70;

6. Paints, varnishes, lacquers, thinners, and all other flammable materials shall be stored in accordance with fire safety requirements specified in the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70;

7. If pets are allowed in the facility, the facility shall provide safeguards to prevent interference in the lives of residents. Guidelines for pet facilitated therapy may be requested from the Department ;

8. An electrician licensed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 13:31 shall annually inspect and provide a written statement that the electrical circuits and wiring in the facility are satisfactory and in safe condition;

i. The written statement shall include the date of inspection, and shall indicate that circuits are not overloaded, that all wiring and permanent fixtures are in safe condition, and that all portable electrical appliances, including lamps, are Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) approved; and

ii. The written statement shall be available for review by the Department during survey.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-17.3

Amended by 54 N.J.R. 54(a), effective 1/3/2022