Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 59A-37.009 - Physical Site Standards

(1) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

(a) The AFCH shall be located, designed, equipped, and maintained to ensure a home-like environment, and to provide safe care and supervision for all residents. Residents shall be allowed free use of all space within the home except when such use interferes with the safety, privacy, and personal possessions of household members and other residents.

(b) The AFCH shall be structurally sound and in good repair. Windows, doors, plumbing, and appliances shall be functional and in good working order. All furniture and furnishings shall be clean and functional.

(c) In order to ensure a safe and sanitary environment, the AFCH must be inspected by the county health department, pursuant to chapter 64E-12, F.A.C., at the time of license application and prior to license renewal.

(2) COMMON AREAS.

(a) At a minimum, there must be 40 square feet of common space per each resident and household occupant, or a total of 150 square feet of common area, whichever is greater. Common space includes the living room, family room, and dining room. The basement and garage shall not be included in the total common area unless such space was constructed or renovated to be used as a common area pursuant to a lawfully issued permit. Household occupants include residents and household members, 2 years of age and older, who reside in the AFCH.

(b) The furnishings in common areas shall be adequate to accommodate all residents and household members, including allowing the residents and household members to eat together in the dining area. The provider shall assist the resident to use any adaptive equipment for eating if such equipment has been ordered by the resident's health care provider.

(c) The AFCH shall, at a minimum, maintain a telephone in the home which is available and accessible for the residents' use at all times and, to the extent practicable, situated so as to facilitate private communication.

(d) Pursuant to section 400.0071, F.S., the procedures for lodging complaints with the long-term care ombudsman council must be posted in full-view in a common area accessible to all residents.

(3) BEDROOMS.

(a) Single bedrooms for residents shall provide at least 80 square feet of floor space for each resident. Multi-occupancy bedrooms shall provide at least 60 square feet of floor space per resident. Any area where a sloped ceiling does not allow a person to stand upright shall not be counted as part of the required floor space. Homes licensed for the first time after February 2, 1995, or already licensed homes who increase their maximum capacity after February 2, 1995, may not have more than two residents per room.

(b) Bedrooms for all residents shall be finished with walls or partitions which go from floor to ceilings and which have a door which opens directly to a hallway or common area without passage through another bedroom or common bathroom. Bedroom doors shall not have vision panels. Window drapes or shades shall be provided to ensure resident privacy.

(c) There shall be a separate bed at least 36 inches wide and 72 inches in length for each resident consisting of a mattress and frame at a comfortable height to assure easy access by the resident. Cots, rollaways, bunks, trundles, couches, and folding beds may not be used for residents.

(d) A household member may not sleep in areas designated as common areas, nor share a bedroom with a resident. Married residents shall be provided the option of sharing bedroom accommodations, but non-related residents of different genders shall not be required to share bedroom accommodations.

(e) In addition to closet space, each bedroom shall have separate and private storage space for each resident's clothing and personal effects. Residents shall be allowed to keep and use reasonable amounts of personal belongings, and shall be allowed to decorate their private quarters in an individual style provided such decor does not damage the provider's property.

(f) Bedrooms shall be on a ground level for residents who are non-ambulatory or have impaired mobility.

(4) BATHROOMS.

(a) A toilet and sink shall be provided on each floor with resident bedrooms. There shall be at least one toilet and sink for each 4 household occupants, and at least one tub or shower for each 6 household occupants. Household occupants include residents and household members, 2 years of age and older, who reside in the AFCH.

(b) Bathrooms shall have a finished interior, a mirror, and a door which insures privacy and opens to a hall or common area. Access to a bathroom may not be through another person's bedroom.

(c) Glass shower doors shall be tempered safety glass; shower curtains shall provide privacy. Non-slip floor surfaces shall be provided in tubs and showers. Residents shall have racks or hooks for drying bath linens and be provided a separate place for tooth brushes and towels.

(d) Bathrooms used by physically handicapped residents shall have grab bars for toilets, tubs, and showers. Hot water temperature shall be supervised for persons unable to self-regulate water temperature.

(e) If the home has a hot tub or spa, it shall have a safety cover when not in use.

(5) OUTDOOR AREAS. The AFCH shall have a yard available and accessible for use by residents.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 59A-37.009

Rulemaking Authority 429.67, 429.73 FS. Law Implemented 429.67, 429.73 FS.

New 2-2-95, Formerly 10A-14.009, Amended 9-19-96, 3-25-98, 6-6-99, Formerly 58A-14.009, 7-1-19.

New 2-2-95, Formerly 10A-14.009, Amended 9-19-96, 3-25-98, 6-6-99, Formerly 58A-14.009, 7-1-19.