24 Miss. Code. R. 2-13.11 - Additional Environment and Safety for Shared Supported Living Services for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

This rule applies specifically to additional environment and safety requirements for Shared Supported Living Services for IDD. Shared Supported Living Services for IDD must follow this rule in addition to all other applicable Health, Environment, and Safety rules included in this chapter. When a rule in this section may overlap with another rule in Chapter 13, the provider must adhere to the more stringent rule.

A. Upon admission and at least annually thereafter, training must be provided to people receiving Shared Supported Living Services (whether or not the housing unit/house is owned or controlled by the agency provider) which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. The PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method of using a fire extinguisher. If necessary, employees must assist in obtaining and mounting fire extinguisher(s);

2. Fire, smoke and carbon monoxide safety and the use of detectors. If necessary, employees must assist in obtaining and mounting fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors;

3. Hot water safety. If necessary, employees must assist in testing and regulating the hot water temperature, documenting such in a log to be maintained by the agency provider employees;

4. Any other health/safety issues based on the needs or identified risk for each person;

5. How to contact 911 in an emergency; and

6. How to contact agency provider employees in an emergency.

B. Newly certified service locations may not have more than four (4) people in a single dwelling.

C. Shared Supported Living Services locations must be a "home-like" environment.

D. All service locations must have furnishings that are safe, up-to-date, comfortable, appropriate, and adequate. Furnishings, to the greatest extent possible, are chosen by the people currently living in the home.

E. All agency providers must provide access to a washer and dryer in the home, apartment, or apartment complex and must ensure the laundry room or area has an exterior ventilation system for the clothes dryer free from excessive lint and dust accumulation.

F. Bedrooms must be appropriately furnished with a minimum of a single bed, chest of drawers, appropriate lighting, and adequate storage/closet space for each person.

G. Beds must be provided with a good grade of mattress which is at least four (4) inches thick on a raised bed frame. Cots or roll away beds may not be used.

H. Each bed must be equipped with a minimum of one (1) pillow and case, two (2) sheets, spread, and blanket(s). An adequate supply of linens must be available to change linens at least once a week, or sooner if the linens become soiled. People must be able to choose their bedding.

I. People have the freedom to furnish and decorate their own rooms in compliance with any lease restrictions that may be in place regarding wall color, wall hangings, etc.

J. Each person must be provided at least two (2) sets of bath linens, including bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths.

K. Auditory smoke/fire alarms with a noise level loud enough to awaken the people which must be in each bedroom, hallways and/or corridors, and common areas.

L. Shared Supported Living Services units using fuel burning equipment and/or appliances (i.e., gas heater, gas water heater, etc.) must have carbon monoxide alarms/detectors placed in a central location outside of sleeping areas.

M. People must not have to travel through any room not under their control (i.e., subject to locking) to reach the designated exit, visiting area, dining room, kitchen, or bathroom.

N. All service locations must have separate storage areas for:

1. Sanitary linen;

2. Food (Food supplies cannot be stored on the floor.); and

3. Cleaning supplies.

O. The setting is integrated in and supports full access to the community to the same extent as people not receiving Shared Supported Living Services.

P. Agency providers must provide furnishings used in common areas (den, dining, and bathrooms) if:

1. The person does not have these items; or

2. These items are not provided through Transition Assistance through the ID/DD waiver.

Q. People must have keys to their living unit if they so choose. Documentation must be maintained in each person's record upon admission and annually thereafter.

R. Bedrooms must have lockable entrances with each person having a key to their bedroom and only appropriate personnel having keys. Documentation must be maintained in each person's record upon admission and annually thereafter.

S. People may share bedrooms based on their choices. Individual rooms are preferred, but no more than two (2) people may share a bedroom. Each person sharing a bedroom must be provided means to secure their belongings, for example lockable closet or lockable footlocker, depending on the needs/desires of each person.

T. Each bedroom must have designated, safe means of egress (Refer to Rule 13.3.B for additional information).

U. The exit door(s) nearest the person's bedroom must not be locked in a manner that prohibits ease of exit.

V. All agency providers must ensure visiting areas are provided for people and visitors, and each visiting area must have designated, safe means of egress. (Refer to Rule 13.3.B for additional information).

W. The person's bedroom must meet the following dimension requirements:

1. Single occupancy - at least 100 square feet.

2. Multiple occupancy - at least 80 square feet for each person.

X. DMH does not certify Shared Supported Living settings for people with IDD in manufactured housing. (Exception: Shared Supported Living service location not owned or controlled by a certified agency provider).

Notes

24 Miss. Code. R. 2-13.11

Miss. Code Ann. § 41-4-7

Adopted 11/1/2024