Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-05-05-.03 - ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

(1) The governing body must ensure that each client is provided with the following:

(a) A separate bed of proper size and height for the client's convenience and comfort;

(b) A mattress and springs, or a mattress foundation, both of which are clean, comfortable, and in good repair;

(c) Clean linens consisting of both a top and bottom sheet, which are clean, in good repair, and are changed as often as needed, but at least weekly;

(d) Bedding, such as blankets, which are clean, in good repair, and appropriate to the weather;

(e) A clean and comfortable pillow unless contra-indicated by the client's choice or for health reasons;

(f) Space in a dresser or chest of drawers which is adequate for the storage of the client's clothing;

(g) Closet or wardrobe space which is adequate for the hanging storage of the client's clothing; and

(h) Access to a mirror at an appropriate height.

(2) Unless the facility is required to meet Health Care Occupancy standards, or unless the room has a door which leads directly to the outside, then each client bedroom must be provided with a window which meets the following:

(a) Is operable from the inside without the use of special keys, tools, or knowledge;

(b) Provides a clear opening of not less than twenty (20) inches in width, twenty-four (24) inches in height, and five and seven-tenths (5.7) square feet in area; and

(c) The bottom of the opening is not more than forty-four (44) inches from the floor.

(3) Each bedroom must be decorated in an appropriate manner including bedspreads, window coverings, and wall hangings.

(4) Bathrooms must be provided within the facility which are equipped as follows:

(a) One (1) private toilet for each six (6) persons, including staff, who reside in the facility;

(b) One (1) lavatory with hot water for each six (6) persons, including staff, who reside in the facility;

(c) One (1) private tub or shower with hot water for each eight (8) persons, including staff, who reside in the facility;

(d) Tub and shower floor surfaces equipped to be slip-resistant;

(e) Adequate and sanitary soap and towels provided at each lavatory; and

(f) Adequate and sanitary toilet paper provided at each toilet.

(5) A dining area and dining furniture must be provided which are sufficient, appropriate, and in good repair for meeting the needs of the clients.

(6) A combined living and activity area and furnishings must be provided which are sufficient in size, in good repair, and appropriate for meeting the needs of the clients residing in the facility. The area must contain one (1) seating area such as chairs or sofas for each client and other residential furniture such as tables, lamps, wall hangings, a television, and a clock.

(7) An outdoor area must be provided which is neat, free of potential hazards, and is appropriate to meeting the needs of the clients.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-05-05-.03

Original rule filed November 25, 1981; effective January 20, 1982. Repeal and new rule filed October 27, 1986; effective December 11, 1986. Repeal and new rule filed May 26, 1988; effective July 11, 1988.

Authority: T.C.A. § 33-2-504.