1. (1) The licensee shall ensure that:

   1. (a) a maximum room occupancy is two patients;
   2. (b) the minimum room areas for new construction, excluding toilets, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules, measures 120 square feet in single-bedrooms and 100 square feet per bed in multiple-bed rooms;
   3. (c) existing buildings or spaces being licensed as a hospice shall have a minimum of 80 square feet of clear floor area per bed in multiple-bed areas and 100 square feet of clear floor area in single-bed rooms;
   4. (d) in multiple-bed rooms, clearance shall allow for the movement of beds and equipment without disturbing patients;
   5. (e) the dimensions and arrangement of rooms shall allow for a minimum of three feet clearance at one side, the foot, and between another bed;

   6. (f) there is a nurse call system and each bed is provided with a call device that functions as follows:

      1. (i) two call devices serving adjacent beds may be served by one calling station; and
      2. (ii) calls in a large inpatient hospice facility activate a visible signal in the corridor at the patient's door; and
   7. (g) a nurse emergency call device is provided at each inpatient toilet, bath, and shower room and is accessible to a collapsed patient lying on the floor. Inclusion of a pull cord may satisfy this standard

2. (2) The licensee shall ensure the emergency call system is designed so that a signal activated at a patient's calling station will initiate a visible and audible signal distinct from the regular nurse call system and can be turned off only at the patient calling station. This signal shall activate:

   1. (a) an annunciator panel at the nurse station or other location appropriate to ensure immediate nurse notification; and
   2. (b) a visible signal in the corridor at the patient's door for emergency calls in a large hospice inpatient facility.

3. (3) The licensee shall ensure each patient has access to a toilet room without having to enter the corridor area that includes:

   1. (a) one toilet room serves four or fewer beds and no more than two patient rooms;
   2. (b) the toilet room contains a toilet and sink; and
   3. (c) the toilet room door swings outward.
4. (4) The licensee shall ensure at least one single-bed room with a private toilet room containing a toilet, sink, and bathing facility is provided for each eight beds.
5. (5) In addition to the sink in the toilet room, in new construction or remodeling, the licensee shall ensure a sink is provided in the patient room.
6. (6) The licensee shall ensure ventilation is represented in the department plans review as required in Rule R432-4.
7. (7) The licensee shall ensure each resident room, intended for 24-hour occupancy, has an operable window open to the building exterior or to a courtyard that is open to the sky.
8. (8) The licensee shall ensure that each patient closet is a minimum of 22 inches deep by 36 inches wide with a shelf to store clothing and a clothes rod positioned at 70 inches to hang full length garments.
9. (9) The licensee shall ensure that visual privacy is provided for each patient in a multiple-bed room. Design for privacy shall not restrict patient access to the toilet, lavatory, or room entrance.

KEY: health care facilities

Date of Last Change: November 6, 2023

Notice of Continuation: January 23, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26-21-5; 26B-2-202