1. (a) The therapeutic community shall obtain an annual fire and safety inspection from the State Fire Marshal or local authorities which documents approval for continued occupancy.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Therapeutic community staff shall know the exact location, contents, and use of:

      1. (A) First-aid supply kits;
      2. (B) Firefighting equipment; and
      3. (C) Fire detection systems.
   2. (2) All firefighting equipment shall be annually maintained in appropriately designated areas within the facility.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The therapeutic community shall post written plans and diagrams noting:

      1. (A) Emergency evacuation routes in case of fire; and
      2. (B) Shelter locations in case of severe weather.
   2. (2) All exits must be clearly marked.

4. (d) Facility grounds shall be maintained in a manner that provides a safe environment for:

   1. (1) Clients;
   2. (2) Personnel; and
   3. (3) Visitors.
5. (e) The therapeutic community facility director or designee shall appoint a safety officer.

6. (f)

   1. (1) The therapeutic community shall have an emergency preparedness program designed to provide for the effective utilization of available resources so client care can be continued during a disaster.
   2. (2) The therapeutic community shall evaluate the emergency preparedness program annually and update as needed.
7. (g) Policies for the use and control of personal electrical equipment shall be developed and implemented.
8. (h) The therapeutic community shall have an emergency power system to provide lighting throughout the facility.

9. (i)

   1. (1) The therapeutic community facility director shall ensure there is a written plan to respond to internal and external disasters.

   2. (2) External disasters include, but are not limited to:

      1. (A) Tornadoes;
      2. (B) Explosions; and
      3. (C) Chemical spills.
10. (j) All therapeutic communities shall be inspected annually by designated fire and safety officials of the municipality who exercise fire/safety jurisdiction in the facility's location which results in the facility being allowed to continue to operate.

11. (k) The therapeutic community shall have a written infection control program and staff shall be knowledgeable of:

    1. (1) Centers for Disease Control Guidelines for Tuberculosis and of the Blood Borne Pathogens Standard; and

    2. (2) Location of:

       1. (A) Spill kits;
       2. (B) Masks; and
       3. (C) Other personal protective equipment.
12. (l) The therapeutic community shall have a written hazardous communication program and staff shall be knowledgeable of chemicals in the workplace, location of material safety data sheets, personal protective equipment, and toxic or flammable substances shall be stored in approved locked storage cabinets.
13. (m) The therapeutic community’s telephone number or numbers and actual hours of operation shall be posted at all public entrances.

14. (n) Signs must be posted at all public entrances informing staff, clients, and visitors as to the following requirements:

    1. (1) No alcohol or illicit drugs are allowed in the therapeutic community facility;
    2. (2) No firearms or other dangerous weapons are allowed in the therapeutic community facility with the exception of law enforcement while in the performance of their duties; and
    3. (3) The use of tobacco is not allowed in the therapeutic community facility.
15. (o) A copy of compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 shall be prominently displayed within the therapeutic community facility.

16. (p) Therapeutic communities shall provide:

    1. (1) Separate bedroom areas for males and females;
    2. (2) Sufficient clean linens for clients; and
    3. (3) Adequate barriers to divide clients.

17. (q)

    1. (1) Plumbing in therapeutic communities shall be in working condition to avoid any health threat.
    2. (2) All toilets, sinks, and showers shall be clean and in working order.

18. (r)

    1. (1) There shall be at least one (1) toilet, one (1) sink, and one (1) shower or tub per every eight (8) therapeutic community beds.

    2. (2) This means that a therapeutic community shall have no less than:

       1. (A) One (1) toilet;
       2. (B) One (1) sink; and
       3. (C) One (1) shower or tub.
19. (s) A secure locked storage shall be provided for client valuables when requested.

20. (t) Separate storage areas are provided and designated for:

    1. (1) Food, kitchen, and eating utensils;
    2. (2) Clean linens;
    3. (3) Soiled linens and soiled cleaning equipment; and
    4. (4) Cleaning supplies and equipment.

21. (u)

    1. (1) When handling soiled linen or other potentially infectious material, universal precautions are to be followed and addressed in the therapeutic community policies and procedures.
    2. (2) Hazardous and regulated waste shall be disposed of in accordance with federal requirements.
22. (v) Poisons, toxic materials, and other potentially dangerous items shall be stored in a secured location.

Codification Notes: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is codified at 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.