R432-5-7. Nursing Unit

(1) When more than one nursing unit shares spaces and service areas, as permitted in this rule, the shared spaces and service areas shall be contiguous to each nursing unit served.

(2) Facility service areas shall be accessible from common areas without compromising resident privacy.

(3) Each nursing unit shall have a maximum number of 60 beds.

(4) At least two single-bed rooms, each with private toilet room containing a toilet, lavatory, and bathing facility shall be provided for each nursing unit.

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

(b) Ventilation shall be continuous with not less than two outside air changes per hour with all air exhausted to the outside.

(5) Each resident sleeping room shall have a window in accordance with R432-4-23(5). Windows in resident rooms intended for sleeping shall be operable.

(6) 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 to accommodate full length garments.

(7) A nurse call system is not required in facilities which care for persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. With prior approval of the Department, a nursing facility may modify the system to alleviate hazards to residents.

(8) Handwashing facilities shall be located near the nursing station and the drug distribution station.

(9) A staff toilet room may also serve as a public toilet room if it is located in the nursing unit.

(10) A clean workroom or clean holding room with a minimum area of 80 square feet shall provide for preparing resident care items.

(a) The clean work room shall contain a counter, handwashing facilities and storage facilities.

(b) The work counter and handwashing facilities may be omitted in rooms used only for storage and holding, as part of a larger system for distribution of clean and sterile supply materials.

(11) If a medical cart is used it shall be under visual control of staff.

(a) Double locked storage shall be provided for controlled drugs.

(b) Provisions shall be made for receiving, assembling, and storage of drugs and other pharmacy products.

(12) If a closed cart is used for clean linen storage, it shall be stored in a room with a self closing door. Storage in an alcove in a corridor is prohibited.

(13) Ice intended for human consumption shall be dispensed by self dispensing ice makers. Bin type storage units are prohibited.

(14) One bathtub and shower shall be provided on each nursing floor in addition to bath fixtures in resident toilet rooms.

(a) At least one shower on each floor shall be at least four feet square without curbs designed for use by a resident using a wheelchair. A gurney shower may be provided at the option of the facility and shall satisfy this requirement.

(b) Each resident bathtub and shower shall be in a separate room or enclosure large enough to ensure privacy and to allow staff to assist with bathing, drying, and dressing.

(15) At least one toilet room shall be provided on each floor containing a nursing unit to be used for resident toilet training.

(a) The room shall contain a toilet and lavatory with wheelchair turning space within the room.

(16) A toilet room with direct access from the bathing area shall be provided at each central bathing area if a toilet is not otherwise provided in the bathing area. The toilet training facility may serve this function if there is direct access from the bathing area.

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

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

(19) An equipment storage room with a minimum area of 120 square feet for portable equipment shall be provided.