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Virginia Administrative Code (Last Updated: January 10, 2017) |
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Title 22. Social Services |
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Agency 40. Department of Social Services |
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Chapter 72. Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities |
Section 860. Heating, ventilation, and cooling
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A. Rooms extending below ground level shall not be used for residents unless they are dry and well-ventilated. Bedrooms below ground level shall have required window space and ceiling height.
B. At least one movable thermometer shall be available in each building for measuring temperatures in individual rooms that do not have a fixed thermostat that shows the temperature in the room.
C. Heat.
1. Heat shall be supplied from a central heating plant or by an approved electrical heating system.
2. Provided their installation or operation has been approved by the state or local building or fire authorities, space heaters, such as but not limited to, wood burning stoves, coal burning stoves, and oil heaters, or portable heating units either vented or unvented, may be used only to provide or supplement heat in the event of a power failure or similar emergency. These appliances shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
3. When outside temperatures are below 68°F, a temperature of at least 72°F shall be maintained in all areas used by residents during hours when residents are normally awake. During night hours, when residents are asleep, a temperature of at least 68°F shall be maintained. This standard applies unless otherwise mandated by federal or state authorities.
D. Cooling devices.
1. Cooling devices shall be made available in those areas of buildings used by residents when inside temperatures exceed 80°F.
2. Cooling devices shall be placed to minimize drafts.
3. Any electric fans shall be screened and placed for the protection of the residents.
4. When air conditioners are not provided in all areas used by residents, the facility shall develop and implement a plan to protect residents from heat-related illnesses.
5. As of June 28, 2007, the largest common area used by residents shall have air conditioning equipment. The temperature in this common area shall not exceed 80°F.
6. As of December 28, 2006, in all buildings approved for construction or change in use and occupancy classification, as referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), the facility shall provide an air conditioning system for all areas used by residents, including residents' bedrooms and common areas. Temperatures in all areas used by residents shall not exceed 80°F.
7. As of December 28, 2012, the facility shall provide in all buildings an air conditioning system for all areas used by residents, including residents' bedrooms and common areas. Temperatures in all areas used by residents shall not exceed 80°F.
a. The facility shall develop an implementation plan, which includes the type of system to be utilized and equipment needed.
b. The implementation plan shall be filed with the department's licensing inspector by December 28, 2008.
Historical Notes
Derived from Volume 23, Issue 06, eff. December 28, 2006.