Kansas Administrative Regulations
Agency 28 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Article 34 - HOSPITALS
Section 28-34-3a - General requirements

(a) Patient limits. The number of patients admitted to any area of the hospital shall not exceed the number for which the area is designed, equipped, and staffed, except in cases of an emergency. In an emergency, patients shall be admitted in accordance with the emergency or disaster plan of the hospital.

(b) Emergency electrical service. Each hospital shall have an emergency source of power to provide electricity during an interruption of the normal electrical supply. The source of this emergency electrical service shall be:

(c) Emergency electrical system. The emergency electrical system shall include a life safety branch and a critical branch. The life safety branch shall serve illumination, alarm, and alerting equipment which shall be operable at all times for protection of life during emergencies. The critical branch shall serve lighting and receptacles in critical patient care areas.

(d) Vital statistics. Each hospital shall comply with vital statistics statutes and regulations regarding the completion and filing of birth, death, and fetal death certificates within a specified period of time.

(e) Smoking. Smoking may be permitted only in designated areas. Patients shall have the right to choose to be assigned to a room in which smoking is not permitted. Smoking shall be prohibited in all other areas that are used for patient treatment or diagnosis. The hospital shall establish written rules regarding smoking within the hospital. Rules shall be posted where they can be observed by the hospital staff and the public. Smoking shall be prohibited in any room or area where flammable liquid, combustible gas, or oxygen is being stored or used and in any other hazardous area of the hospital. Patients classified as not mentally or physically responsible for their actions shall be prohibited from smoking unless constant supervision is provided. The sale of any tobacco products shall be prohibited in any area of the hospital.

(f) Internal disaster plan. The hospital shall establish a workable plan with the nearest fire department for fire fighting service. The hospital shall provide the fire department with a current floor plan of the building. The floor plan shall show the location of fire fighting equipment, exits, patient rooms, places where flammable and explosive gases are stored, and any other information that the fire department requires. The hospital shall also develop an internal disaster and fire plan incorporating evacuation procedures. These plans shall be made available to all personnel and shall be posted throughout the building. Each employee shall participate in the duties delegated to them under the safety program and shall be instructed in the operation of the fire warning system, the proper use of fire fighting equipment, and the procedure to follow in the event that electrical power is impaired.

(g) External disaster plan. The hospital shall establish written plans, based on its capabilities, for the proper and timely care of casualties arising from external disasters. The disaster plan shall be developed in conjunction with other emergency facilities in the community so that adequate logistical provisions are made for the expansion of the activities of the hospital in coordination with the activities of other facilities. The external disaster plan shall be rehearsed at least twice a year, preferably as part of a coordinated drill in which other community emergency service agencies participate. The drills shall involve professional, administrative, nursing, and other hospital personnel. A written report and evaluation of all drills shall be maintained for at least two years.