R432-11-5. General Construction. Patient Service Facilities

(1) Requirements of R432-4-24 and the requirements of Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, 2010 edition (Guidelines) shall be met. Where a modification is cited, the modification supersedes conflicting requirements of the Guidelines.

(2) Nursing Units shall meet the following:

(a) At least two single-bed rooms, with private toilet rooms, shall be provided for each nursing unit.

(b) Minimum room areas exclusive of toilet rooms, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules, shall be 140 square feet in single-bed rooms and 125 square feet per bed in multiple-bed rooms. The listed areas are minimum and do not prohibit larger rooms.

(3) Imaging Suites. Imaging facilities for diagnostic procedures, include the following: radiology, mammography, computerized scanning, ultrasound and other imaging techniques.

(a) Imaging facilities may be provided within the facility or through contractual arrangement with a qualified radiology service or nearby hospital.

(b) If imaging facilities are provided in-house, they shall meet the requirements for an imaging suite defined in Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, section 2.2-3.4.

(4) Laboratory Services.

(a) Laboratory space and equipment shall be provided in-house for testing blood counts, urinalysis, blood glucose, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and for the collection, processing, and storage of specimens.

(b) In lieu of providing laboratory services in-house, contractual arrangements with a Department-approved laboratory may be provided. Even when contractual services are arranged, the facility shall maintain space and equipment to perform on-site rapid testing.

(5) Pharmacy Guidelines.

(a) The size and type of services provided in the pharmacy shall depend on the drug distribution system chosen and whether the facility proposes to provide, purchase, or share pharmacy services. A description of pharmacy services shall be provided in the functional program.

(b) There shall be a pharmacy room or suite, under the direct control of staff, which is located for convenient access and equipped with appropriate security features for controlled access.

(c) The room shall contain facilities for the dispensing, basic manufacturing, storage and administration of medications, and for handwashing.

(d) In lieu of providing pharmacy services in-house, contractual arrangements with a licensed pharmacy shall be provided. If contractual services are arranged, the facility shall maintain space and basic pharmacy equipment to prepare and dispense necessary medications in back-up or emergency situations.

(e) If additional pharmacy services are provided, facilities shall comply with requirements of Guidelines section 2.2-4.2.

(6) Linen Services shall comply with R432-4-24(8).

(7) Toilet Facilities. A toilet room, with direct access from the bathing area shall be provided at each central bathing area.

(a) Doors to toilet rooms shall be equipped with hospital privacy locks or other hardware that protects patient privacy and permits access from the outside without the use of keys or special tools in case of an emergency.

(b) A handwashing fixture shall be provided for each toilet in each toilet room.

(c) Fixtures shall be wheelchair accessible.

(8) Patient Day Spaces.

(a) The facility shall include a minimum total inpatient space for dining, recreation, and day use computed on the basis of 30 square feet per bed for the first 100 beds and 27 square feet per bed for all beds in excess of 100.

(b) In addition to the required space defined for inpatients, the facility shall include a minimum of 200 square feet for outpatient and visitors when dining is part of a day care program. If dining is not part of a day care program, the facility shall provide a minimum of 100 square feet of additional outpatient day space.

(c) Enclosed storage space for recreation equipment and supplies shall be provided.

(9) Examination and Treatment Room. An examination and treatment room shall be provided except when all patient rooms are single-bed rooms.

(a) An examination and treatment room may be shared by multiple nursing units.

(b) When provided, the room shall have a minimum floor area of 120 square feet, excluding space for vestibules, toilet, closets, and work counters, whether fixed or movable.

(c) The minimum floor dimension shall be ten feet.

(d) The room shall contain a lavatory or sink equipped for handwashing, work counter, storage facilities, and a desk, counter, or shelf space for writing.

(10) Consultation Room. A consultation room, arranged to permit an evaluation of patient needs and progress, shall be provided. The room shall include a desk and work area for the evaluators, writing and work space for patients, and storage for supplies.

(11) Surgical Unit. If surgical services are offered, facilities shall be provided in accordance with the Guidelines.