24 Miss. Code. R. 2-13.4 - Safe and Sanitary Conditions

A. The interior and exterior of each service location must be maintained in a safe, functional, clean, and sanitary manner; this rule includes program furnishings, which must be appropriate and adequate.

B. All service locations must have operable hot water. The water temperature in all water heaters in facilities providing services directly to people enrolled in DMH services must be set at no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit and no lower than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

C. All DMH-certified service locations must conduct a Safety Review of the premises on a monthly basis. (Exception: Supervised Living, Supported Living, Shared Supported Living service locations that are not owned or controlled by a certified agency provider, and Host Homes.) The monthly review must include:

1. All fire extinguishers. Employees are to verify each extinguisher is properly charged and mounted. Each extinguisher must be listed separately by location in the facility. Fire extinguishers mounted in agency provider vehicles are to be included in the review.

2. All fire/smoke detectors. Employees are to verify each detector is working properly. Each detector is to be listed separately by location in the facility.

3. All carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable). Employees are to verify each detector is working properly. Each detector is to be listed separately by location in the facility.

4. Lighted exit signs. Employees are to verify each sign is working properly by interrupting the power supply to the sign. Each sign is to be listed separately by location in the facility. (Exception: All Supervised Living, Supported Living, Shared Supported Living service locations, and Host Homes).

5. Hot water fixtures. Employees are to verify the hot water at each fixture in the facility measures between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Emergency lights. Employees must verify that the emergency lights are working properly. For Supervised Living, Shared Supported Living, Supported Living, and Host Homes, the provider must have alternative lighting, such as battery-operated flashlights, lanterns, or generators.

7. Safe and sanitary conditions. Employees are to verify that the service location's environment is safe and sanitary through visual inspection.

D. Any service location that has a kitchen used by people receiving services must be designed and equipped to facilitate preparing and serving meals in a clean and orderly fashion. At a minimum, the following equipment must be provided: (Exception: Supervised Living, Shared Supported Living and Supported Living service locations that are not owned or controlled by a certified agency provider, and Host Homes).

1. Two (2)-compartment sink or an automatic dishwasher and single sink (Except in single occupancy living situations, in which case a single compartment sink is acceptable).

2. Adequate supply of dishes, cooking utensils, etc.

3. Adequate refrigeration facilities.

4. Adequate space for the storage of food supplies (No food supplies may be stored on the floor).

5. Approved fire extinguishing equipment and alarms/smoke detectors placed strategically to allow detection of smoke/fire in the kitchen.

E. Restroom door locks must be designed to permit the opening of the locked door from the outside.

F. All supplies, including flammable liquids and other harmful materials, must be stored in a safe manner.

G. Any service location that has a clothes dryer must ensure that the clothes dryer has an exterior ventilation system free from excessive lint and dust accumulation.

H. All service locations must have operational utilities (water/sewer, air conditioning/heat, electricity).

I. No portable heaters are allowed in service areas or bedrooms.

J. Through the provider application process (initial or application to add a new program/service or modify an existing program), DMH may require additional square footage in any service location in order to accommodate the needs of the people in the service.

K. All service locations must ensure an adequate, operable heating and cooling system is provided to maintain temperature between 68 degrees and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

24 Miss. Code. R. 2-13.4

Miss. Code Ann. § 41-4-7

Amended 7/1/2016 Amended 9/1/2020 Amended 11/1/2024