Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 481 - Inspections and Appeals Department
Inspections Division
Chapter 61 - Minimum Physical Standards for Nursing Facilities
Rule 481-61.7 - Nursing Care Unit

Universal Citation: IA Admin Code 481-61.7

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024

(1) A seclusion room may be used in an intermediate care facility for persons with mental illness.

(2) When a seclusion room is used, it must meet the following standards. A seclusion room shall:

a. Be located where direct care staff can provide direct supervision; (I, II, III)

b. Have only one door which swings out but does not swing into a corridor; (II, III)

c. Have only locking devices that are approved by the state fire marshal; (I, II, III)

d. Have unbreakable, fire-safe vision panels arranged to permit observation of the resident. The arrangement shall ensure resident privacy and prevent casual observation by visitors or other residents; (I, II, III)

e. House only one resident at a time; (I, II, III)

f. Have an area of at least 60 square feet, but not more than 100 square feet; (II, III)

g. Be constructed to protect against the possibility of hiding, escape, injury and suicide; (I, II, III)

h. Have construction of the room area, including floor, walls, ceilings, and all openings, approved in writing by the state fire marshal prior to construction or alteration of a room. Padding materials, if used, shall be approved in writing by the state fire marshal; (I, II, III)

i. Contain only vandal- and tamper-resistant fixtures and hardware; (I, II, III)

j. Contain no electrical receptacles; (I, II, III)

k. Contain an exhaust ventilation system with a fan located at the discharge end of the system, with exhaust discharging to the outside; (II, III)

l. Have electrical switches for the light and exhaust ventilation systems installed outside the room; (I, II, III)

m. Have an emergency call system for staff located outside the room near the observation window; (II, III) and

n. Be built with materials that are easily maintained and sanitized. (III)

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Iowa 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.
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