216-40-10 R.I. Code R. § 7.6

Current through June 12, 2024

Section 216-RICR-40-10-7.6 - Environmental Requirements

7.6.1Environment

A. The facility housing the program shall be constructed, equipped, and maintained to protect the safety and well-being of participants.

B. The facility shall comply with applicable state and local building regulations and zoning, fire, and health codes and ordinances, including Rhode Island State Fire Safety Code ( R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-28.1) and the Rhode Island State Building Code (R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3).

C. The program shall comply with the requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act incorporated above at § 7.2(B) of this Part.

D. A program with participants who are blind, deaf and /or physically disabled shall be subject to all applicable requirements of "The American National Standard - Specifications for Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to and Usable by, the Physically Handicapped" incorporated above at § 7.2(A) of this Part.

E. The program shall obtain annual certification from its local fire department approving the facility for program operation. Such certification shall indicate the maximum daily occupancy.

F. The program shall submit copies of such certifications to the Department with application for license.

G. The sign for the program shall be visible, and the entrance to the program shall be clearly identified.

H. The program, when it is co-located in a facility housing other services, shall have its own separate identifiable space for activity areas during operating hours.

I. The facility shall have sufficient space to accommodate the full range of program activities, services, and equipment.

J. Each program shall have the following areas:

1. A dining area;

2. A food preparation area in compliance with the Rhode Island Food Code (Part 50-10-1 of this Title);

3. A project area equipped with adequate table and seating space (a dining area may be used);

4. A group activity area;

5. A private, enclosed space, free from disruption, for individual nursing services and counseling;

6. A properly equipped rest area; and

7. Properly equipped, handicapped-accessible bathrooms.

K. There shall be private space to permit staff to work effectively and without interruption.

L. Identified space shall be available for participants and/or family/ caregivers to have private discussions with staff.

M. There shall be storage space for program and operating supplies.

N. Outside space that is used for outdoor activities shall be safe, accessible to indoor areas, and accessible to persons with a disability.

O. The program shall provide a comfortable, sanitary environment for the population it serves.

P. All rooms utilized by participants shall have proper ventilation.

Q. All steps, stairs, and corridors shall be suitably lighted. Stairs used by participants shall have banisters, hand rails or other types of support. All stair treads shall be well maintained to prevent hazards.

R. Halls and exit ways shall be free from all encumbrances and/or impediments.

S. Space shall be available for the safe arrival and departure of participants.

T. Illumination in all areas shall be adequate and glare shall be avoided.

U. Sound transmission shall be controlled.

V. Conditions shall be maintained within a comfortable temperature range to accommodate the population served.

W. Sufficient, appropriate furnishings shall be available for the entire participant population present.

X. Program restrooms shall be located as near the activity area as possible.

1. Restrooms shall meet current Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

2. Every restroom door shall be designed to permit the opening of the locked door from the outside.

Y. Each program shall have at least one (1) shower or other accommodation for bathing.

Z. The overall design of the program shall facilitate participants' movement throughout the facility and encourage involvement in activities and services.

7.6.2Construction and Renovations

A. Any licensee or applicant desiring to make alterations or additions to its facility or to construct a new facility shall, before commencing such alteration, addition, or new construction, inform the Department. The Department may conduct preliminary inspection and approval or make recommendations with respect to compliance with the regulations herein.

B. All new construction, modification, additions, or room conversions shall be subject to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapters 23-28.1 and 23-27.3, "The American National Standard - Specifications for Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to and Usable by, the Physically Handicapped" incorporated above at § 7.2(A) of this Part and "The Americans with Disabilities Act" incorporated above at § 7.2(B) of this Part and such other applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations as may be applicable. Where there is a difference between codes, the code having the more stringent standard shall apply.

7.6.3Transportation Services

A. The program shall provide transportation and/or assist in arranging transportation services for participants and maximize the use of transportation arranged by the participant's family.

B. When transportation is provided to participants through program operated vehicles, the operation of each vehicle shall be in conformity with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the driver, vehicle, and transportation services.

C. Programs that operate their own vehicle(s) shall employ drivers who possess the appropriate current motor vehicle license(s) for the size and seating capacity of the vehicle(s).

D. Drivers shall have experience in transporting passengers and shall be sensitive to the needs of aged individuals and individuals with handicapping conditions.

7.6.4Safety and Sanitation

A. The facility and grounds shall be safe, clean and accessible to all participants.

B. Smoking shall not be permitted in the facility.

C. At least two (2) well-identified exits shall be available to participants.

D. Universal precautions shall be practiced by all staff.

E. The program shall comply with rules and regulations pertaining to the use of latex gloves by health care workers promulgated by the Department and as contained in the rules and regulations for the 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 (Part 20-15-3 of this Title).

F. The program shall be free of hazards, such as exposed electrical cords, loose area rugs and steep grades.

G. Steps and curbs shall be painted and the edges of stairs marked appropriately to highlight them.

H. Procedures for fire safety as approved by the state and local fire authorities shall be adopted and posted.

I. Appropriate fire extinguishers shall be installed on each occupied level of the facility and maintained in a usable condition, inspected at specified intervals as stipulated by manufacturers and local and state fire authorities.

J. The program shall develop and maintain a written plan and procedure for the evacuation of the premises in case of fire or other emergency.

K. An evacuation plan shall be posted in each room.

L. Emergency procedures shall be clearly outlined and posted in conspicuous locations throughout the facility.

M. Drills simulating emergency conditions to test the effectiveness of the plan shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Office of the State Fire Marshal with documentation of observed ability of participants and staff to carry out evacuation procedures.

N. Emergency first aid kits shall be accessible to staff.

O. There shall be sufficient maintenance and housekeeping personnel to assure that the facility is clean, sanitary, and safe at all times.

P. Toxic substances, whether for activities or cleaning, shall be stored in a locked area not accessible to participants.

Q. A safety guide for dealing with spills of toxic substances, chemicals, and other liquids including blood shall be posted and followed by all staff.

R. Insect infestation control shall be scheduled at a time when participants are not in the facility.

S. Equipment shall be adequately and safely maintained.

T. The program shall have a sufficient budget for equipment maintenance, repair, or replacement of all equipment.

U. Programs shall have on-site at least the following health care and safety equipment:

1. An emergency first aid kit;

2. A scale for weighing participants;

3. A blood pressure cuff and stethoscope;

4. A thermometer;

5. A proper, secure storage space (including refrigeration, as needed) for medications;

6. Sufficient number of blankets; and

7. A portable oxygen tank for emergencies.

216 R.I. Code R. § 216-RICR-40-10-7.6