Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) Required Approvals.
(a) An institution shall be in compliance with all applicable zoning laws, ordinances, or rules and regulations which apply to its operation.
(b) All water and sewage disposal systems, if other than approved city and county systems, shall be approved by the proper authorities having jurisdiction.
(c) An institution shall submit proof of compliance with applicable laws and regulations issued by the State Fire Marshal, the proper local fire marshal, or state inspector, including a certificate of occupancy if required. The premises of the institution shall have functioning fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
(d) All buildings and grounds shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with these rules. Institutions that initially apply for a license or current licensees that plan to renovate buildings for housing residents shall submit building blueprints or similar schematic drawings or diagrams for review and approval by the department.
(2) Sleeping Areas.
(a) The institution shall have separate sleeping areas which contain not less than 63 square feet of usable floor space per resident. Single bedrooms shall contain at least 75 square feet of usable floor space. Usable floor space does not include built-in closet space. The preceding requirements on usable floor space shall apply to any institution licensed after the effective date of these rules and to any licensed institution that renovates its current sleeping areas or increases its capacity by adding new buildings or areas to the institution. Beds shall be arranged to provide for at least three feet of space between the heads, foot, and sides of each bed. If bunk bed units are used, they shall be arranged to provide for at least five feet of space between the ends, foot and sides of each bunk bed unit. Boys and girls shall sleep in separate sleeping areas.
(b) Each child shall be provided with his or her own personal space and furnishings for storage of clothes and personal belongings.
(c) Each child shall be provided his or her own personal bed and mattress that is no shorter than the child's height and at least thirty inches wide. Clean sheets, pillows and pillow cases, blankets or bed covering shall be provided and sheets and pillow cases shall be changed or cleaned at least weekly. Water proof mattresses shall be provided as needed as required by the child's assessment and service plan.
(d) Bedrooms shall be provided with outside ventilation by means of windows, air conditioners, or mechanical ventilation.
(e) No staff member shall sleep in children's bedrooms. Separate sleeping quarters and lavatory for staff shall be provided in the living units.
(3) Lavatory and Bathing Facilities.
(a) There shall be separate lavatory (water basin and toilet) and bathing facilities for boys and girls that shall be located near the sleeping areas. Such facilities shall not be used routinely by staff.
(b) There shall be at least one lavatory equipped with hot and cold water and mirror for every eight residents or fraction thereof. Rooms that contain more than one toilet shall contain stalls for individual privacy. Each lavatory shall be supplied with toilet paper and holders, and individual hand towels, or disposable towels, or mechanical hand drying equipment.
(c) There shall be at least one shower or bathtub with hot and cold water for every ten residents or fraction thereof. Bathtubs and shower stalls shall be equipped with nonslip surfaces.
(d) Lavatory areas shall be ventilated with either an open screened window or functioning exhaust fan.
(4) Living Room. For institutions licensed on or after the effective date of these rules, the institution shall maintain a living room or den for the children residing in a living unit. Such space shall be equipped with comfortable furnishings suitable for relaxation and social interaction.
(5) Dining Area. The institution shall maintain a dining area that is furnished to permit children, staff, and guests to eat together in a small group or groups.
(6) Climate Control. The institution shall be maintained at a temperature range of sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit to eighty-two (82) degrees Fahrenheit, depending upon the season of the year.
(7) Ceilings and Walls. All ceilings shall be at least seven (7) feet in height. Ceiling and walls shall be of good repair.
(8) Windows. All windows that can be opened and that are used for ventilation shall have insect window screens. Windows and screens must be in good repair.
(9) The institution shall be kept clean and free of hazards to health and safety and of debris and pests.
(a) Any firearms or ammunition on the institution's premises shall not be allowed within any living units and shall be stored in locked cabinets or similar storage containers which are not accessible to children and which are in areas that are not accessible to children.
(b) An effective pest control system shall be implemented. Pesticides, disinfectants, chemicals, and cleaning supplies, with hazardous labels, shall be stored in designated areas away from children and if used by children, such use shall be supervised by staff.
(10) Exterior Grounds. Exterior grounds of the institution shall be free of hazards to health and safety.
(a) Garbage which is stored outside shall be stored in covered containers and shall be emptied at least weekly. Garbage storage areas and containers shall be cleaned periodically to eliminate buildup of dirt and grime that attracts pests and rodents.
(b) Playgrounds and recreation areas used by children shall be kept clean and free from litter and hazards to health and safety.
(c) Swimming Pools. If an institution has a swimming pool on its grounds, such pool shall be enclosed with protective fencing and be free of contamination. A certified lifeguard shall be in attendance at all times that a swimming pool is in use by any resident.
(11) Transportation.
(a) Vehicles used by an institution to transport children shall be insured and shall have a satisfactory annual safety inspection of brakes, exhaust system, headlights, steering, stop lights, suspension, tail lights, tires, turn signals, and windows and windshield wipers. Such inspection shall be documented on a GDHR Annual Transportation Vehicle Safety Inspection Certification (Form 699) or its equivalent.
(b) When transporting children, an institution's vehicle shall only be operated by a staff member or an authorized resident who possesses a valid driver's license as required for the class of the vehicle operated. If an institution authorizes residents to drive, it shall establish and implement policies and procedures relative to the use of agency vehicles by such residents.
(c) No vehicle shall be used to transport more children than the manufacturer's rated seating capacity for the vehicle.
(d) All vehicles used to transport children shall be equipped with safety equipment as required by federal and state laws.
(12) Accessibility. Where children are dependent upon a wheelchair or other mechanical device for mobility, the child-caring institution shall have:
(a) At least two exits from the child caring institution, remote from each other that are accessible to the child and with easily negotiable ramps;
(b) All doorways and hallways leading to exits, as well as bathrooms, must accommodate wheelchair access; and
(c) The bathroom shall be sufficient to accommodate a wheelchair and a staff person and appropriate accessibility devices installed.
(13) Children shall not be required to sleep in areas of the premises that are not routinely used as or specifically designated as bedrooms such as doorways, hallways, bathrooms, closets, crawl spaces, fire escapes, kitchens, communal living areas, etc.
Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 40-8-76, 49-5-8, 49-5-12.
