20 CAR § 417-705 – Day room and dining room

(a) A well-lighted, clean, orderly, and ventilated room or rooms shall be provided for resident activities and for dining areas.
(b) The arrangement, appearance, and furnishing of all of the interior areas of the psychiatric residential treatment facility shall be similar to those of a normal family home within the community.
(c)
1. (1)
  1. (A) The psychiatric residential treatment facility shall contain separate units for children based upon age ranges, or developmental functioning levels when documented, not to exceed three (3) years.
  2. (B) Each unit shall provide a space for the free and informal use of the residents.
  3. (C) Documentation must include clinical justification outlining why a child’s developmental age and size justify exceeding the three-year requirement.
2. (2) This space shall be constructed and equipped in a manner in keeping with the programmatic goals of the psychiatric residential treatment facility.
(d) A psychiatric residential treatment facility shall have a minimum of sixty square feet (60 ft²) of floor area per resident in living areas accessible to the residents and excluding halls, closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, staff or staff's family quarters, laundry areas, storage areas, and office areas.
(e)
1. (1) The psychiatric residential treatment facility shall have comfortable customary furniture as appropriate for all living areas.
2. (2) Furniture for the use of residents shall be appropriately designed to suit the size and capabilities of the residents.
(f) The psychiatric residential treatment facility shall have a dining area that permits residents, staff, and guests to eat together in small groups.