R432-16-7. Resident Rooms

(1) Maximum room occupancy is two residents.

(2) Minimum room areas for new construction (exclusive of toilets, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves or vestibules) shall be 120 square feet in single bed rooms and 100 square feet per bed in multiple-bed room. Existing buildings or spaces being licensed as a hospice shall have a minimum of 80 square feet of clear floor area per bed in multiple-bed areas and 100 square feet of clear floor area in single-bed rooms.

(3) In multiple-bed rooms, clearance shall allow for the movement of beds and equipment without disturbing residents. The dimensions and arrangement of rooms shall be such that there is a minimum of three feet clearance at least at one side, the foot, and between another bed.

(4) A nurse call system shall be provided. Each bed shall be provided with a call device. Two call devices serving adjacent beds may be served by one calling station. Calls in a large inpatient hospice facility shall also activate a visible signal in the corridor at the resident's door.

(5) A nurse emergency call device shall be provided at each inpatient toilet, bath, and shower room. The call device shall be accessible to a collapsed resident lying on the floor. Inclusion of a pull cord will satisfy this standard. The emergency call system shall be designed so that a signal activated at a resident's calling station will initiate a visible and audible signal distinct from the regular nurse call system and can be turned off only at the resident calling station. The signal shall activate an annunciator panel at the nurse station or other location appropriate to ensure immediate nurse notification. Emergency calls in a large hospice inpatient facility shall also activate a visible signal in the corridor at the resident's door.

(6) Each resident shall have access to a toilet room without having to enter the corridor area. One toilet room shall serve not more than four beds and no more than two resident rooms. The toilet room shall contain a water closet and a lavatory. The toilet room door shall swing outward.

(7) At least one single-bed room with a private toilet room containing a toilet, lavatory, and bathing facility shall be provided for each eight beds, or fraction thereof, in a hospice facility.

(a) In addition to the lavatory in the toilet room, in new construction and remodeling, a lavatory or hand washing sink shall be provided in the patient room.

(b) Ventilation shall be in accordance with Table 7-1 of Part 6 of the Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities, 2010 edition, which is adopted and incorporated by reference.

(8) Each resident room intended for 24-hour occupancy, shall have an operable window open to the building exterior or to a court which is open to the sky.

(9) Each resident closet shall be a minimum of 22 inches deep by 36 inches wide with a shelf to store clothing and a clothes rod positioned at 70 inches to hang full length garments.

(10) Visual privacy shall be provided for each resident in multiple-bed rooms. Design for privacy shall not restrict resident access to the toilet, lavatory, or room entrance.