Section 1270. Physical environment requirements of community gero-psychiatric residential services

A. Providers shall be responsible for ensuring safe mobility and unimpeded access to programs or services by installing and maintaining ramps, handrails, grab bars, elevators, protective surfaces, and other assistive devices or accommodations as determined by periodic review of the needs of the individuals being served. Entries, doors, halls, and program areas, including bedrooms, must have adequate room to accommodate wheelchairs and allow for proper transfer of individuals. Single bedrooms shall have at least 100 square feet and multi-bed rooms shall have at least 80 square feet per individual.

B. Floors must have resilient, nonabrasive, and slip-resistant floor surfaces and floor coverings that promote mobility in areas used by individuals and promote maintenance of sanitary conditions.

C. Temperatures shall be maintained between 70°F and 80°F throughout resident areas.

D. Bathrooms, showers, and program areas must be accessible to individuals. There must be at least one bathing unit available by lift, door, or swivel-type tub.

E. Areas must be provided for quiet and for recreation.

F. Areas must be provided for charting, storing of administrative supplies, a utility room, employee hand washing, dirty linen, clean linen storage, clothes washing, and equipment storage.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 05, eff. December 7, 2011.

Statutory Authority

§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.