California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 3 - Skilled Nursing Facilities
Article 6 - Physical Plant
Section 72609 - Patient Rooms

(a) Each patient room shall be labeled with a number, letter or combination of the two for identification.

(b) Patients' rooms shall not be kept locked when occupied except in rooms approved by the Department for seclusion of psychiatric patients.

(c) Only upon the written approval of the Department may any exit door, corridor door, yard enclosures or perimeter fences be locked to egress.

(d) Patient rooms approved for use by ambulatory patients only shall be identified as follows: The words "Reserved for Ambulatory Patient" in letters at least 1.25 centimeters (one-half inch) high shall be posted on the outside of the door or on the wall alongside the door where they are visible to persons entering the room.