Utah Admin. Code R501-22-10 - Specialized Services for Emergency Homeless Shelters

(1) An emergency shelter licensee shall prioritize the safety of those needing services and emphasize transitioning into a more permanent housing setting.

(2) An emergency homeless shelter licensee shall ensure that no less than two direct care staff are always present and available and maintain a ratio of no fewer than one staff present for every 40 clients during weekday daytime hours.

(3) An emergency homeless shelter may operate above staffing ratios during dangerous weather conditions, on weekends, and during sleeping hours if:

(a) the program has a documented chain of command for on-call availability;

(b) the program has a surveillance camera system;

(c) the program has an emergency radio onsite and each staff on-duty are trained regarding how and when it is to be used; or

(d) the program identifies and can rely upon other means of back up support in case of emergency.

(4) In accordance with Subsections 35A-16-703(1), (2), and (3), an emergency homeless shelter licensee operating in a county where a code blue alert is in effect may increase capacity by 35% when:

(a) fire code and building code capacities permit the increase;

(b) procedures are implemented for expediting intake; and

(c) procedures are implemented for only denying entry if the building capacity is at maximum or the individual poses a risk to the population.

(5) Each emergency homeless shelter shall require each adult resident to sign an agreement form at admission that outlines the following:

(a) visitors are allowed on premises to assist with housing, food stamps, assessments, religious, social and other client-specific needs;

(b) participation in any meetings or groups with these visitors is voluntary;

(c) each client signature on the form and voluntary participation in the visitation constitutes the client's invitation to the visitors in the department-licensed setting; and

(d) each client must sign the agreement before participation in any voluntary services offered onsite.

(6) Visitors as outlined in Subsection R501-22-10(5) do not include staff in the homeless shelter setting.

(7) The emergency homeless shelter licensee shall maintain the following information regarding each client or have documented reasons why the information is not obtainable:

(a) name;

(b) date of birth;

(c) race;

(d) ethnicity;

(e) gender;

(f) veteran status;

(g) disabling condition;

(h) start date;

(i) exit date;

(j) destination;

(k) relationship to head of household;

(l) service location;

(m) prior living situation;

(n) case management log and service plan, where applicable;

(o) information that could affect health, safety, or well-being of the client, including medication needs;

(p) documentation that is updated at 90-day intervals to include each service and contact; and

(q) service plans that emphasize self-sufficiency and identify and refer to applicable sources.

(8) The shelter maintains the documentation listed in Subsection (7) for re-opening the client file, if the client returns up to 30 days past the last shelter stay, with the exception of single night stays.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R501-22-10

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2014-22, effective 10/23/2014 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-09, effective 5/11/2020 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-11, effective 5/11/2020 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2022-02, effective 1/6/2022 Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2024-03, effective 1/22/2024