216-40-10 R.I. Code R. § 25.7

Current through June 12, 2024

Section 216-RICR-40-10-25.7 - Physical Plant and Equipment

25.7.1General Provisions for Physical Center

A. Each Center shall be equipped and maintained to protect the health and safety of clients, personnel and the public, and to facilitate emergency exit of clients and personnel in the event of emergency.

B. Each Center shall have at least the following areas:

1. An intake space where potential clients can learn about the Harm Reduction Center services and its operation;

2. Smoking drug consumption area;

3. Drug consumption areas for other consumption methods; and

4. An aftercare area where clients receive referrals, education, and counseling, as applicable.

C. Each area of the center must allow for unimpeded, rapid access to an exit where emergency transportation vehicles may be accommodated.

1. There shall be adequate space for staff or volunteers to perform opioid antagonist administration and artificial respiration, if necessary.

2. Hallways and doors providing access and entry into the reception, drug consumption and after care areas shall be of adequate width to accommodate ambulance stretchers and wheelchairs.

D. The drug consumption area(s) shall be spacious enough to accommodate staff to move freely and include, but not be limited to:

1. Mirrors strategically placed to facilitate monitoring and self-injection.

2. Accessible sharps and biohazardous waste disposals for each consumption station/room/booth and washrooms.

3. Non-permeable, non-flammable chairs, counters/tables, floor surfaces, and privacy partitions that can be easily cleaned with hospital grade cleaning supplies.

a. No carpeting is permitted in the Center.

b. The station/room/booth must allow for observation by Center staff.

c. Handwashing stations must be readily available.

4. Smoking of tobacco products and drugs are only allowed in specifically designated smoking areas that meet the following criteria:

a. The drug consumption area must be well-ventilated with outdoor air through the use of adequate mechanical ventilation that is designed to run at all times that the building is occupied.

b. Smoking areas must be physically separated from non-smoking areas, including any staff-only areas.

c. Signs shall clearly indicate what areas allow smoking and what areas are non-smoking areas.

d. Smoking areas shall be ventilated in such a way that the air from that area shall not enter any other areas of the center.

e. The exhaust system shall run at all times that the smoking area is occupied and for at least one (1) hour afterwards.

f. Air from smoking areas shall be exhausted outdoors to a location secure from public access, such as the roof.

E. The Harm Reduction Center must have adequate security policies and procedures to ensure the safety of both staff and clients.

F. Acceptable toilet facilities shall be available to clients and staff.

G. Secure utility and storage areas shall be designed and equipped for washing, sterilizing and storage of equipment, and supplies in a manner that ensures segregation of clean and sterile supplies and equipment from those that are soiled and/or contaminated.

H. Heating and ventilation systems shall be capable of maintaining comfortable temperatures.

I. Each Harm Reduction Center shall be adequately lighted with appropriate lighting in the drug consumption area(s).

1. An emergency source of electrical lighting shall be available in the event the normal electrical power is interrupted.

2. All electrical and other equipment used in the Harm Reduction Center shall be maintained free of defects which could be a potential hazard to clients and staff.

J. An elevator shall be available where Harm Reduction Service resources are provided at different floor levels. The cab size of the elevator shall be large enough to accommodate a stretcher, an attendant and such equipment as may be needed.

25.7.2Initial licensure, New Construction, Modification, Additions, or Room Conversions All initial licenses, new construction, modification, additions, or room conversions of an existing center shall be subject to the provisions of Fire Safety Code General Provisions (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-28.1), State Building Code (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3), ANSI A117.1 - 2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 through 12213), and such other applicable State and local laws, codes and Regulations as may be applicable. Where there is a difference between codes, the code having the more stringent or higher standard shall apply.

25.7.3Equipment and Supplies

A. Each Harm Reduction Center shall be equipped with a sufficient supply of those items needed to initiate emergency procedures in life threatening events. Such equipment shall include no less than the following:

1. Self-inflating bag valve mask;

2. Mouth barriers for rescue breathing;

3. Oral glucose;

4. Oxygen and AMBU-bags;

5. Automated External Defibrillator (AED);

6. Opioid Antagonist; and

7. Fire extinguisher

B. The Harm Reduction Center shall be equipped with a sufficient supply of harm reduction supplies for safe drug use practices within the Center and/or for take home supplies, included but not limited to:

1. Fentanyl test strips;

2. Nitrile gloves;

3. Safe injection supplies;

4. Safe snorting supplies; and

5. Safe smoking supplies.

C. Any Harm Reduction Center that utilizes latex gloves shall do so in accordance with the provisions of Part 20-15-3 of this Title, Use of Latex Gloves by Health Care Workers, in Licensed Health Care Facilities, and by Other Persons, Firms, or Corporations Licensed or Registered by the Department.

D. The Harm Reduction Center must provide sharps containers at each consumption station and biohazard disposal containers and arrange for the disposal/removal of containers according to the R.I. Department of Environmental Management's Medical Waste Regulations, 250-RICR- 140-15-1, for disposal of hazardous medical waste.

E. Each Center must identify a person(s) to intervene whenever conditions immediately threaten life or health or threaten damage to equipment or the Center.

F. Each Center must ensure that all equipment is maintained appropriately and in proper working condition.

25.7.4Plumbing All plumbing material and plumbing systems or parts thereof installed shall meet the minimum requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3.

25.7.5Water Supply Water shall be obtained from an approved water system and shall be distributed to conveniently located taps and fixtures throughout the Center and shall be adequate in volume and pressure for all Center purposes, including fire safety in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3.

25.7.6Drug Disposal The Harm Reduction Center must develop and implement written policies and procedures for management and disposal of drugs and unknown substances in accordance with Part 20-20-1 of this Title, Disposal of Drugs.

25.7.7Design and Layout of Mobile Units and Short-term Units

A. Each mobile unit or short-term unit shall be constructed, equipped, and maintained to protect the health and safety of clients and staff. All equipment and furnishings shall be maintained in good condition, properly functioning and replaced when necessary.

B. The design of the Mobile Unit or Short-Term Unit shall comply with § 25.7.1 of this Part. In the event of non-conformance for which the provider seeks a variance from this section, the general procedures outlined in § 25.8.1 of this Part shall be followed.

216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-10-25.7

Adopted effective 2/16/2022