R432-9-5. General Construction, Patient Facilities

(1) The requirements of R432-4-24 and the requirements of Sections 2.1 and 2.6 of Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities (Guidelines) 2010 edition shall be met except as modified in this rule. Where a modification is cited, the modification supersedes conflicting requirements of R432-4-24 and the Guidelines.

(2) Other Required Units, Guidelines section 2.6-3.2 is modified to allow psychological services, social services, and vocational services to share the same office space when the licensee provides evidence in the functional program that the needs of the population served are met in the proposed space arrangement.

(3) Rehabilitation Nursing Unit, Section 2.6-2.2 is modified as follows:

(a) Fixtures in patient rooms shall be wheelchair accessible.

(b) Patient rooms shall contain space for wheelchair storage separate from normal traffic flow areas.

(c) Toilet room doors shall swing out from the toilet room or shall be double acting.

(d) Patient rooms shall provide each patient a wardrobe, closet, or locker, having minimum clear dimensions of 22 inches by 36 inches, suitable for hanging full-length garments. A clothes rod and adjustable shelf shall be provided.

(4) A clean workroom or clean holding room shall be provided for preparing patient care items which shall contain a counter, handwashing facilities, and storage facilities. 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.

(5) A soiled workroom shall be provided containing a clinical sink, a sink equipped for handwashing, a work counter, waste receptacles, and a linen receptacle. The work counter and handwashing facilities may be omitted in rooms used only for storage and holding.

(6) In addition to Guideline Section 2.6-2.2.6.6, the medicine preparation room or unit shall be under visual control of the nursing staff and have the following:

(a) a minimum area of 50 square feet,

(b) a locking mechanism to prohibit unauthorized access.

(7) Each nursing unit shall have equipment to provide ice for patient treatment and nourishment.

(a) Ice-making equipment may be located in the clean workroom or at the nourishment station if access is controlled by staff.

(b) Ice intended for human consumption shall be dispensed by self-dispensing ice makers.

(8) Yard equipment and supply storage areas shall be located so that equipment may be moved directly to the exterior without passing through building rooms or corridors.