Section 0940-05-31-.11 - HEALTH, HYGIENE, GROOMING, AND SAFETY IN MENTAL HEALTH THERAPEUTIC NURSERY PROGRAM FACILITIES(1) The facility must assist children in independent exercise of health, hygiene, and grooming practices.(2) The facility must encourage the use of dental appliances, eyeglasses, and hearing aids if used by the children.(3) The facility must encourage each child to maintain a well-groomed and clean appearance that is age and activity appropriate and within reasonable approximation of current acceptable styles of grooming, dressing, and appearance for children of similar age(4) Children's Health (a) Children must have proof of being age appropriately immunized according to the current scheduled authorized by the Tennessee Department of Health before enrollment in a Therapeutic Nursery.(b) Children must be checked upon arrival each day and observed for signs of communicable diseases during the day. Any child showing or developing symptoms of fever or diarrhea, or other symptoms that cause concern to the caregiver must be excluded from the group until the parent can call for him/her, or until other arrangements are made for care elsewhere. Impetigo and diagnosed strep must be treated appropriately for 24 hours prior to readmission to the center. Children having lice or scabies must show proof of treatment to be readmitted. The center can provide care and/or isolation for a child with a contagious condition only upon written instructions of a licensed physician or certified health care provider.(c) Parents of every child enrolled must be notified if one of the following communicable diseases has been introduced into the nursery program: hepatitis A, foodborne outbreaks (food poisoning), salmonella, shigella, measles, mumps, rubelia, pertussis, polio, hemophilia influenza type B, or meningococcal meningitis, lice, or scabies.(d) Individual disposable tissues must be available for wiping noses. Used tissues must be disposed or promptly, and hands must be washed.(e) Disposable wipes and towels are preferable, but if cloths are used, they must be laundered after each use. Cloth towels must be labeled with children's names if used more than once.(f) If toothbrushes are used, they must be labeled with the children's names. They must be stored to air dry without contact with other toothbrushes. If toothpaste is used, care must be taken for sanitary dispensing.(g) If combs and brushes are used, each child must have his/her own which must be labeled and stored in labeled containers.(h) There must be no smoking in the presence of children or any area of the facility where they may, at any time, be present.(i) For the protection of children and adults, caregivers and helpers must wash their hands under running water immediately after aiding a child in nose wiping, diapering, or toileting; after person toileting; and before handling food.(j) If children are not toilet trained, they must be diapered and cleaned when wet or soiled.(k) Diapering must be done in a designated area that is off the floor, on a washable surface, and located near a handwashing lavatory. The diapering area must not be located in a food service area.(l) The diapering surface must be covered with paper that can be disposed of after use with each child, or it must be cleaned with disinfectant and friction immediately after use and before using with another child.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-05-31-.11
Original rule filed January 11, 1996; effective March 26, 1996.Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-4-103, 33-2-504 and 33-1-205(b)(5).