Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 481 - Inspections and Appeals Department
Inspections Division
Chapter 68 - Elder Group Homes
Rule 481-68.25 - Structural Standards

(1) The home, furnishings and fixtures shall be clean, in good repair and appropriate for the tenants.

(2) Stairways shall have handrails of a circumference, length, texture, strength and stability that can reasonably be expected to provide tenant support.

(3) A functioning light shall be provided in each room, stairway and exit; all light bulbs shall be protected from breakage or removal with appropriate covers.

(4) The yard, fire exits and exterior steps shall be kept free of obstructions and shall be accessible and appropriate to the condition of the tenants.

(5) There shall be at least 150 square feet of common living space and sufficient furniture in the home to accommodate the recreational and socialization needs of all the tenants at one time; common space shall not be located in the basement or garage, unless such space was constructed for that purpose. Additional common living space may be required if wheelchairs, walkers or other durable medical equipment is to be accommodated. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July I, 2005, there shall be 300 square feet of usable floor space.

(6) Interior and exterior doorways used by tenants shall be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers if tenants with impaired mobility are in residence.

(7) Hot and cold water at each tub, shower, and sink shall be in sufficient supply to meet the needs of the tenants and staff.

(8) Grab bars shall be present for each toilet, tub and shower Access to toilet and bathing facilities shall be barrier-free. Toilet and bathing facilities shall provide individual privacy.

(9) A telephone shall be available and accessible for tenants' use in a manner that allows for privacy for all calls.

(1) All combustion appliances shall be used and maintained properly and shall be inspected annually by a qualified technician for carbon monoxide emissions and any other hazards to health and safety;

(2) Extension cord wiring shall not be used in place of permanent electrical fixtures or outlets.

(1) A public water supply shall be utilized if available. If a nonmunicipal water source is used, the owner or on-site manager must show documentation from the state laboratory that the water supply is potable and is tested as required by the rules of the environmental protection commission of the department of natural resources.

(2) Septic tanks or other nonmunicipal wastewater disposal systems shall be in good working order and shall comply with state and local regulations for wastewater treatment.

(3) Garbage and refuse shall be suitably stored and disposed of by a sanitation company providing service in the area.

(4) If laundry service is provided, soiled linens and clothing shall be stored in containers in an area separate from food storage, kitchen and dining areas.

(5) Sanitation for household pets and other domestic animals shall be adequate to prevent health and safety hazards.

(6) There shall be adequate control of insects and rodents.

(7) Reasonable and prudent precautions for infection control shall be taken, including washing hands and exposed portions of arms with soap and hot water immediately before engaging in food preparation and meal service and before and after providing personal care.

(8) There shall be at least one toilet and one sink for every four household occupants. A minimum of one sink and toilet is required on each floor occupied by tenants. A sink shall be located near each toilet. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2005, there shall be at least one toilet and one sink for every two household occupants, with a minimum of one toilet and one sink on each floor occupied by tenants.

(9) At least one tub or shower is required for each six household occupants. For an EGH constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2005, there shall be at least one tub or one shower for every four household occupants.

(1) Each tenant bedroom shall:

(2) Owners, operators, on-site managers, their family members, and personal care providers shall not use as bedrooms areas that are designated as living areas or as tenant bedrooms;

(3) Common living space and tenant bedrooms shall not be used for storage areas.