A program licensed to provide community-based behavioral health residential services under this chapter shall ensure that:

1. A. All areas of a residence, including storage areas:

   1. (1) Are safe;
   2. (2) Clean; and
   3. (3) Free of hazards and clutter;

2. B. A residence has:

   1. (1) No housing code or zoning violations;
   2. (2) Working smoke alarms or smoke detectors that meet local fire codes for residential dwellings;
   3. (3) Hot and cold running water:
   4. (4) Adequate light, heat, and ventilation; and
   5. (5) Sufficient, appropriate, and functional furnishings, equipment, supplies, and utensils comparable to those found in the residences of nondisabled individuals;

3. C. Each resident:

   1. (1) Has the resources to purchase or has access to food;
   2. (2) Has the resources to acquire an adequate supply of soap, towels, and toilet tissue;
   3. (3) Who self-administers medication, has access to a secure storage area for the resident’s medications;
   4. (4) Has access to a secure storage area for funds and valuables;
   5. (5) Has access to transportation;
   6. (6) Has access to a telephone in the residence; and
   7. (7) To the extent possible, may use personal possessions and preferences in furnishing and decorating the resident’s space.

4. D. The following emergency procedures are followed:

   1. (1) Posted near the telephone are telephone numbers for the:

      1. (a) Fire department, police, ambulance, and poison control center; and
      2. (b) Program’s on-call staff; and
   2. (2) An emergency evacuation procedure that is explained to and practiced by residents within 10 days after entering residence and, at a minimum, every 3 months after that;

5. E. Each bedroom has:

   1. (1) A minimum of 70 square feet for a single bedroom and a minimum of 120 square feet for a double bedroom;
   2. (2) An interior door, except for an efficiency apartment;
   3. (3) Closet space in or convenient to each bedroom for each individual using the bedroom;
   4. (4) Coverings for each window, for privacy;
   5. (5) A bed with a clean mattress and pillow for each resident using the bedroom;
   6. (6) At least two sets of bed linens per resident; and
   7. (7) Not more than two residents using the bedroom;

6. F. Each toilet and bathing area has:

   1. (1) A minimum of one full bathroom for every four residents; and
   2. (2) At least one toilet, one basin, and one tub or shower connected to hot and cold water;
   3. (3) Easy access and conveniently located, not more than one floor level from living, dining, and sleeping rooms; and
   4. (4) Privacy for the individual using it; and

7. G. The program has a written relocation plan for each site that:

   1. (1) Specifies where residents may live temporarily if the CSA or LBHA determines that conditions in the approved residence pose an imminent risk to the health, safety, or welfare of a resident;
   2. (2) Is approved by the CSA or LBHA, as appropriate; and
   3. (3) Is updated annually.

Authority: Health-General Article, §§7.5-204, 8-402, 8-404, and 10-901, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 1, 2016 (43:10 Md. R. 585)

Regulation .03 amended effective February 27, 2017 (44:4 Md. R. 255)