Any facility licensed pursuant to these regulations and that uses a seclusion or security room in its program complies with all of the following:

1. A. the room has no less than 80 square feet of floor area;
2. B. the door is of substantial construction either one and three-quarter inches, bonded solid core or metal able to withstand unusual stress;
3. C. the door is at least 32 inches wide, preferably 36 inches;
4. D. the door swings outward to prevent children from barricading themselves in the room;
5. E. the door has a fixed wired glass vision panel not to exceed 1,296 square inches, and mounted in steel or other approved metal frame;
6. F. a dual lock system that is simple to operate is on the door; it has a quickly operated throw bolt and key lock;
7. G. the floor is of substantial construction with a smooth surface so that it presents no danger in terms of materials that peel, splinter, or cause burns;
8. H. walls are of high impact resistance with nothing protruding from the walls that would allow for climbing by children;
9. I. the ceiling is of monolithic construction and unreachable to children;
10. J. light fixtures are security rated and recessed so children cannot break the lens, bulbs, etc.;
11. K. windows in the room have security-rated screens with locks that cannot be picked;
12. L. there is nothing else in the room, including electrical outlets, switches, holes, hardware, or places to hook things; all heating and air-conditioning registers are out of reach; there are no sharp edges in the room such as window sills, baseboards, or wainscots;
13. M. rooms are approved in writing from the state fire marshal or fire authority having jurisdiction; these records are maintained by the facility;
14. N. the observation room is convenient to a staff’s station to permit continuous close observation of clients;

15. O. a toilet room with a lavatory is immediately accessible.

    [1/1/99; 7.20.12.83 NMAC - Rn, 7 NMAC 20.12.83, 02/28/05]

    HISTORY OF 7.20.12 NMAC: [RESERVED]