N.H. Code Admin. R. He-C 4001.16 – Residential Child Care Space

(a) In all programs, space that is designated, inspected, and approved as residential child care space shall not be used for any purposes or activities that could jeopardize the health or safety of residents or otherwise negatively impact the program.
(b) Programs shall provide:
1. (1) A living room or community space with comfortable furnishings, available, and accessible to residents for regular and informal use for general relaxation and entertainment;
2. (2) Bedrooms that are separated by gender and that have:
  1. a. A minimum of 50 square feet of floor space per occupant;
  2. b. Ceilings that are at least 7 feet high at the highest peak;
  3. c. An outside window; and
  4. d. An operable door;
3. (3) An area that is suitable and available for private discussions and counseling sessions;
4. (4) Sturdy, comfortable furniture and furnishings, that are clean and in good repair;
5. (5) Bathroom facilities that provide residents with age appropriate privacy while changing clothes, showering, attending to personal hygiene, and using the toilet;
6. (6) When available on site, outdoor space that is maintained in a neat, safe, clean condition and is available to residents for active recreation; and
7. (7) Screens for all operable windows in the facility.
(c) If seclusion is used, then rooms used for seclusion shall be in compliance with the provisions of RSA 126-U.
(d) Programs shall have a communication system in place so that residents and program staff can effectively contact personnel when they need assistance with the care of residents or in an emergency.
(e) Programs shall assure that damage to the residence or equipment identified in (f) and (g) below is repaired within 7 days, or as soon as possible after the damage has occurred.
(f) Programs shall maintain all residential spaces in good repair and workable condition, including but not limited to, cabinets, ceilings, appliances, windows, doors, screens, sinks, and toilets.
(g) All living space and recreation areas used by residents shall be equipped with operable lighting sufficient to allow individuals to enter, exit, and move about the premises of the program safely.
(h) Programs shall provide sufficient sturdy tables and chairs to ensure each resident’s comfort for meals, snacks, and for work or play at tables.
(i) Programs shall provide each resident with a bed equipped with:
1. (1) A pillow and a firm mattress that is:
  1. a. Clean;
  2. b. In good repair;
  3. c. Free from rips or holes in the fabric covering that would allow residents access to the interior components of the mattress;
  4. d. Cleaned and sprayed with a disinfecting spray before being used for a new resident; and
  5. e. Replaced or sanitized promptly if soiled by urine, feces, blood, or vomit; and
2. (2) Adequate bedding to ensure the resident’s comfort that is cleaned and maintained as follows:
  1. a. Sheets and pillow cases shall be cleaned at least once each week and more frequently if soiled; and
  2. b. Blankets, comforters, bedspreads, and mattress covers shall be cleaned at least once each month and more frequently if soiled.
(j) Programs shall provide separate sleeping and bathroom facilities for staff and family members of staff who reside in the program.
(k) Programs shall ensure that in each building in which residents reside, for every 4 residents there shall be one bathroom unit that is accessible to residents and equipped with:
1. (1) An operable door; and
2. (2) A properly functioning sink, toilet, and shower or tub.