Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 290 - RULES OF DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 290-9 - OFFICE OF REGULATORY SERVICES
Subject 290-9-37 - RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Rule 290-9-37-.11 - Physical Plant Health and Safety Standards

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 290-9-37-.11

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through March 20, 2024

(1) Each Community Living Arrangement shall provide a safe and healthy home for its residents, and where subject to fire and safety standards promulgated by the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner, such Community Living Arrangement shall be in compliance with those standards.

(2) Each Community Living Arrangement shall comply and remain in compliance with any and all local ordinances for fire safety in residences of that size and function. Private quarters shall be maintained in such a manner as to comply with fire safety codes and not threaten the health or safety of residents. In the absence of or in addition to any such local ordinances, the following requirements shall be met:

(a) Wall-mounted electric outlets and lamps or light fixtures shall be maintained in a safe and operational condition;

(b) Cooking appliances shall be suitably installed in accordance with approved safety practices;

(c) Space heaters shall not be used;

(d) Fire screens and protective devices shall be used with fireplaces, stoves, and heaters;

(e) Sufficient AC powered smoke detectors, with battery backup, shall be in place and, when activated, shall initiate an alarm that is audible in the sleeping rooms. Strobe alarms shall be used when required by the needs of the resident, e.g., for hearing impaired persons;

(f) If natural gas or heating oil is used to heat the residence, or if a wood-burning fireplace is in the residence, the residence shall be protected with carbon monoxide detectors;

(g) Each residence must have at least one charged, 5 lb. multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher on each occupied floor and in the basement that shall be readily accessible. These extinguishers shall be checked annually by a fire safety technician and monthly by the staff of the Community Living Arrangement to ensure they are charged and in operable condition; and

(h) Exterior doors shall be equipped with locks that do not require keys to open the door from the inside.

(3) Fire drills shall be conducted every month at alternating times and shifts. At least two drills per calendar year shall be during sleeping hours. All fire drills shall be documented with staffing involved. The Department maintains the right to require an immediate demonstration of a fire drill during any on-site visit.

(4) The Department may require an appropriate fire safety inspection of any Community Living Arrangement at any time, including, but not limited to, when the physical plant undergoes a substantial change, such as repairs, renovations, or additions, or the Department has reason to believe that residents are at risk. Further, if the Department determines that a substantial increase in the amount of personal assistance is being offered to residents, a repeat fire safety inspection may be required. The residence shall correct all fire safety violations identified in the inspection.

(5) Water and sewage systems shall meet applicable federal, state, and local standards and regulations.

(6) Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be kept clean and in good repair.

(7) Kitchen and bathroom areas shall be cleaned with disinfectant and maintained to ensure cleanliness and sanitation.

(8) The storage and disposal of biomedical wastes and hazardous wastes shall comply with applicable federal and state rules and standards.

(9) The storage and disposal of garbage, trash, and waste shall be accomplished in a manner that will not permit the transmission of disease, create a nuisance, or provide a breeding place for insects or rodents. Waste shall be removed from the kitchen as necessary and from the premises at least weekly.

(10) Procedures for the prevention of infestation by insects, rodents, or other vermin or vectors shall be maintained and conducted in a manner that continually protects the health of residents.

(11) Pets living at the residence shall meet the following requirements:

(a) No vicious animals shall be kept at the residence;

(b) All pets shall have a current inoculation for rabies as required by law;

(c) Exotic animals shall be obtained from federally approved sources; and

(d) Parrots, cockatoos, macaws, and other psittacine birds shall be domestic birds or USDA inspected and banded and must be free of disease.

(12) Poisons, caustics, and other dangerous materials shall be stored in clearly labeled and appropriate containers, safeguarded in an area away from medication storage areas and from food preparation and storage areas and secured as required by the capacity of the residents.

(13) A residence shall be equipped and maintained so as to provide a sufficient amount of hot water for the use of residents. Heated water provided for use of residents shall not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the hot water fixture, unless a cooler temperature is required by the needs of the individual. A water temperature monitor or a scald valve shall be installed where necessary to ensure the safety of the residents.

(14) The following evacuation requirements must be met:

(a) Residents who need assistance with ambulation shall be provided bedrooms that have access to a ground-level exit to the outside or provided bedrooms above ground level that have access to exits with easily negotiable ramps or easily accessible lifts;

(b) There shall be established procedures and mechanisms for alerting and caring for residents in case of emergencies and for evacuating them to safety. An evacuation plan with clear instructions shall be available within each residence. Each sleeping room shall have a secondary exit, which may be a door or a window usable for escape;

(c) A Community Living Arrangement serving a resident dependent upon a wheelchair or other mechanical device for mobility shall provide at least two (2) exits from the Community Living Arrangement, remote from each other, that are accessible to the residents; and

(d) There shall be clearly accessible route(s) for emergencies throughout the residence.

O.C.G.A. Secs. 31-7-1et seq., 37-1-22.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.