216-40-10 R.I. Code R. § 3.7

Current through June 12, 2024

Section 216-RICR-40-10-3.7 - Physical Plant and Equipment

3.7.1Physical Facility

A. All construction shall be subject to the laws, rules, regulations and codes of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 23-17, 23-28.1, and "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 3.2(A) of this Part, and all other appropriate state and local laws, codes, regulations and ordinances. Where there is a difference between codes, the code having the more stringent standard shall apply.

B. All plans for new construction or the renovation, alteration, extension, modification or conversion of an existing facility that may affect compliance with "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 3.2(A) of this Part shall be reviewed by a licensed architect, acceptable to the Director. Said architect shall certify that the plans conform to the construction requirements of "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 3.2(A) of this Part, prior to construction. The facility shall maintain a copy of the plans reviewed and the architect's signed certification, for review by the Department upon request.

1. In the event of non-conformance for which the facility seeks a variance, the general procedures outlined in §3.8.1 of this Part shall be followed. Variance requests shall include a written description of the entire project, details of the non-conformance for which the variance is sought and alternate provisions made, as well as detailing the basis upon which the request is made. The Department may request additional information while evaluating variance requests.

2. If variances are granted, a licensed architect shall certify that the plans conform to all construction requirements of "Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Outpatient Facilities" incorporated above at § 3.2(A) of this Part, except those for which variances were granted, prior to construction. The facility shall maintain a copy of the plans reviewed, the variance(s) granted and the architect's signed certification, for review by the Department upon request.

C. Upon completion of construction, the facility shall provide written notification to the Department, describing the project, and a copy of the architect's certification. The facility shall obtain authorization from the Department prior to occupying/re-occupying the area. At the discretion of the Department, an on-site visit may be required.

3.7.2Environmental Maintenance

A. The OACF shall be maintained and equipped to provide a sanitary, safe and comfortable environment with all furnishings in good repair, and the premises shall be kept free of hazards.

B. Written policies and procedures shall be established to assure a comfortable, safe and sanitary environment and appropriate lighting throughout the facility.

C. Appropriate equipment and supplies to clean the facility shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary condition.

D. Hazardous cleaning solutions, compounds and substances shall be labeled, stored in a safe place and kept in an enclosed section separate from other cleaning materials.

E. Smoking shall be permitted only in areas designated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-20.10.

F. Waste Disposal

1. Regulated Medical Waste:

a. Regulated medical waste, as defined in the Medical Waste Regulations (250-RICR- 140-15-1.2(C)) shall be managed in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned regulations.

2. Other Waste:

a. Wastes which are not classified as infectious waste, hazardous wastes or which are not otherwise regulated by law or rule may be disposed in dumpsters or load packers provided the following precautions are maintained:

3. Dumpsters shall be tightly covered, leak proof, inaccessible to rodents and animals, and placed on concrete slabs preferably graded to a drain. Water supply shall be available within easy accessibility for washing down of the area. In addition, the pick-up schedule shall be maintained with more frequent pick-ups when required. The dumping site of waste materials must be in sanitary landfills approved by the Department of Environmental Management.

4. Load packers must conform to the same restrictions required for dumpsters and, in addition, load packers shall be:

a. High enough off the ground to facilitate the cleaning of the underneath areas of the stationary equipment; and

b. The loading section shall be constructed and maintained to prevent rubbish from blowing from said area site.

3.7.3Disaster Preparedness

A. Each facility shall develop and maintain a written disaster preparedness plan which shall include plans and procedures to be followed in case of fire and/or other emergencies.

B. The plan and procedures shall be developed with the assistance of qualified safety, emergency management, and/or other appropriate experts.

C. The plan shall include procedures to be followed pertaining to no less than the following:

1. Fire, explosion, hurricane, loss of power and/or water, flooding, failure of internal systems or equipment, and other calamities;

2. Transfer of casualties;

3. Location and use of alarm systems, signals and firefighting equipment;

4. Containment of fire;

5. Notification of appropriate persons;

6. Relocation of patients and evacuation routes;

7. Handling of drugs and biologicals; and

8. Any other essentials as may be warranted.

D. A copy of the plan shall be available to all personnel.

E. Emergency steps of action shall be clearly outlined and posted in conspicuous locations throughout the facility.

F. Simulated drills testing the effectiveness of the plan shall be conducted for all personnel at least twice a year. Written reports and evaluation of all drills shall be maintained by the facility.

G. All personnel shall receive training in disaster preparedness as part of their employment orientation.

3.7.4Fire Safety

A. Each facility shall meet the requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-28.1 pertaining to fire and safety.

B. A monitoring program for the internal enforcement of all applicable fire safety laws and regulations shall be established. Such program shall include written procedures for the implementation of policies, regulations, and statutes. A log of such monitoring shall be maintained.

216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-10-3.7