Kentucky Administrative Regulations
Title 902 - CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES - DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 20 - Health Services and Facilities
Section 902 KAR 20:330 - Psychiatric residential treatment facilities

Universal Citation: 902 KY Admin Regs Service 20:330

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 3, September 1, 2024

RELATES TO: KRS 216B.105, 216B.450-216B.457

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 216B.042 and 216B.105 mandate that the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services regulate health facilities and services. KRS 216B.457 requires the cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations establishing requirements for psychiatric residential treatment facilities. This administrative regulation establishes physical plant requirements for Level I and Level II psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), and allows existing facilities or residential units, with modifications, to be licensed as a Level I PRTF facility.

Section 1. Definitions.

(1) "Certificate of need" is defined by KRS 216B.015(8).

(2) "Licensure agency" means the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of the Inspector General.

(3) "Living unit" means:
(a) The area within a single building that is supplied by a Level I facility for daily living and therapeutic interaction of no more than nine (9) residents; or

(b) The area within a Level II facility that is designated for daily living and therapeutic interaction of no more than twelve (12) residents.

(4) "Psychiatric residential treatment facility" or "PRTF" is defined by KRS 216B.450(5) as a Level I facility or a Level II facility.

Section 2. Preparation and Approval of Plans and Specifications for a Level I or a Level II PRTF. After receipt of a certificate of need, if required under KRS Chapter 216B, and before initiation of new construction or renovation, or prior to making a change in function of a facility, the processes established in this section shall be followed.

(1) The licensee or applicant shall submit plans in sufficient detail to show compliance with this administrative regulation to the licensure agency for approval.

(2) Architectural, mechanical, and electrical drawings shall bear either the seal of a professional engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky or an architect registered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

(3) Drawings shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches by forty-six (46) inches when trimmed.

(4) A copy of the narrative program for a project shall be provided to the licensure agency by the applicant or licensee and shall describe the functional space requirements, staffing patterns, departmental relationships, and organizational plans relating to the fulfillment of the mission and objectives of the facility.

(5) Plans and specifications shall be approved by the licensure agency prior to commencement of construction of a new building, renovation of an existing facility, or making a change in function of a facility.

(6) Plans and specifications in specific detail as required by the Kentucky Building Code, 815 KAR 7:120, shall be submitted together with architectural or engineering stamps as required by KRS Chapters 322 and 323, to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction for determining compliance with the Kentucky Building Code. Plans and specifications shall be approved by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, and local building permits shall be obtained prior to commencement of construction.

(7) Representatives of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall have access at all reasonable times to the work wherever it is in preparation or progress.

Section 3. Level I and Level II PRTF: Compliance with Building Codes, Ordinances, and Administrative Regulations.

(1) A PRTF shall be in compliance with building codes, ordinances, and administrative regulations which are enforced by city, county, or state jurisdictions.

(2) The following requirements shall apply when a PRTF is constructed, modified, or renovated:
(a) Fire safety pursuant to 815 KAR 10:060;

(b) Plumbing pursuant to 815 KAR 20:010 through 815 KAR 20:195;

(c) Elevators pursuant to 815 KAR 4:010 through 815 KAR 4:025; and

(d) Building accessibility by persons with disabilities pursuant to 28 C.F.R. Part 36 .

(3) New construction, modification, or renovation shall be approved by the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction prior to occupancy.

Section 4. Level I and Level II PRTF: Facility Requirements and Special Conditions.

(1) A facility shall be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities in compliance with the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.

(2) Access to a facility shall be by means of a paved or gravel roadway that is open, free from obstruction, and in good repair.

(3) The building structure and overall physical environment, including the number and type of diagnostic, clinical, and administrative rooms, educational facilities if applicable, and recreational space, shall:
(a) Be sufficient to meet the needs of the patient census and specialized program needs of the residents as described in the facility's narrative program document; and

(b) Ensure a secure environment for residents.

Section 5. Living Unit for a Level I PRTF. A living unit shall be located within a single building and shall comply with the requirements in this section.

(1) Bedrooms.
(a) A bedroom shall not be used for sleeping accommodations for more than two (2) residents.

(b) A bedroom shall be equipped with a bed for each resident that shall:
1. Be at least thirty-six (36) inches wide and sixty (60) inches long;

2. Accommodate the resident's size;

3. For proposals which entail renovation of an existing facility, be positioned to allow at least three (3) feet of free space between beds and four (4) feet of free space extending directly away from the foot of the bed; and

4. Be located sufficient distance from radiators, heat outlets, and drafts to avoid discomfort.

(c) For new construction, each:
1. Single occupancy bedroom shall have a minimum floor area of 100 square feet, exclusive of toilet rooms, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules; and

2. Semi-private bedroom used for sleeping accommodations for two (2) residents shall have a minimum floor area of eighty (80) square feet per bed, exclusive of toilet rooms, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules.

(d) A resident's bed shall be equipped with:
1. A support mechanism and a clean mattress;

2. A mattress cover with rubber or impervious sheets, if necessary; and

3. Two (2) sheets, a pillow, and bed covering of sufficient quality to maintain resident comfort.

(e) Separate sleeping quarters shall be maintained for male and female residents.

(f) A resident shall not be housed in a room, detached building, or other enclosure which has not been inspected and approved for occupancy by the licensure agency and the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

(g) A bedroom shall not be located more than sixty (60) feet from a duty station, and the egress doorway shall be visible to the duty station at all times.

(h) A room shall not be used as a resident bedroom if the access is through another resident's bedroom.

(2) Bathrooms.
(a)
1. Proposals which entail renovation of an existing facility shall demonstrate that each living unit of a Level I facility shall have at least one (1) wash basin with hot and cold water, one (1) flush toilet, and one (1) bath or shower with hot and cold water for every five (5) residents or fraction thereof residing within the living unit.

2. For new construction, each living unit in a Level I facility shall have at least one (1) wash basin with hot and cold water, one (1) flush toilet, and one (1) bath or shower with hot and cold water for every four (4) residents or fraction thereof residing within the living unit.

(b) Separate toileting, bathing, and showering facilities shall be maintained and be available for each sex.

(c) Each bathroom shall have a wastebasket and an adequate supply of toilet paper, towels, and soap.

(d) If more than one (1) toilet is required or available in the same room, each shall be partitioned for privacy and shall include a door capable of remaining closed.

(e) Bathing and showering facilities shall have enclosures or screens for individual privacy. Shower heads shall be of institutional safety type.

(f) At least one (1) bathing facility shall have space that is accessible to a resident who uses a wheelchair. The wheelchair-accessible bathing facility may serve both sexes, and the facility shall provide staff to assist residents during bathing and showering.

(g) Each bathroom shall contain at least one (1) nondistorting mirror secured to the wall at a height which shall accommodate individuals with disabilities and other residents.

(h) A bathroom shall not be constructed in such a way as to require a resident to pass through another resident's bedroom for access. The bathroom shall have only one (1) door.

(3) A resident's wardrobe or closet shall have minimum dimensions of one (1) foot and ten (10) inches deep by one (1) foot and eight (8) inches wide with full-length hanging space including clothes rod and shelf. Additional areas shall be provided for storage of a resident's winter coats, raincoats, and other bulky articles of clothing and shall be locked and under staff control.

(4) Each resident shall have a chair and desk with minimum dimensions of one (1) foot and six (6) inches deep by three (3) feet wide by two (2) feet high.

(5) Windows accessible to the outside shall be secure and shall prevent unauthorized egress and ingress. Safety features shall be included on windows to ensure glass and glass fragments do not constitute a safety hazard.

(6) If a staff call system is available, provisions shall be made to permit removal of call buttons or use of blank plates if appropriately documented in a resident's treatment plan.

(7) Living, dining, and recreation.
(a) The total area provided for living and recreation shall not be less than forty (40) square feet per resident.

(b) The total area provided for dining shall not be less than fifteen (15) square feet per resident.

(c) The living area shall include comfortable seating for at least ten (10) persons.

(d) Indoor recreation equipment shall be available and appropriate for the ages served and shall be maintained in good condition.

(e) Enclosed storage shall be provided for recreational equipment and supplies.

(f) The facility shall provide space for outdoor recreation activities for residents. The outdoor area shall be free from litter, glass, and other objects which pose a safety hazard.

(g) Outdoor recreation equipment in good condition and appropriate for the ages of the residents shall be provided and maintained.

(8) Each service area shall include a duty station and medicine dispensing area.
(a) A duty station shall be constructed to include adequate space for charting and for conducting all other aspects of a patient's care.

(b) Provision shall be made for twenty-four (24) hour distribution of medicine to residents. This may be from a medicine preparation room or unit, a self-contained medicine dispensing unit, or by another approved system.
1. Medication shall be kept in a locked storage area, a secure, self-contained dispensing unit, or other system capable of maintaining secure and controlled storage.

2. The medication dispensing area shall be under the treatment staff's visual control and shall contain a work counter, refrigerator, sink and locked storage for biologicals and drugs.

3. The medication dispensing unit may be located at the duty station, in a clean workroom, or in an alcove under direct control of the treatment or pharmacy staff.

4. All controlled substances shall be maintained by staff under double lock.

(c) A dedicated linen storage area shall be available and shall be used for storing clean linens.

(9) The living unit shall have at least one (1) operable food preparation area with sink, stove, and refrigerator, unless a kitchen is directly available within the same building as the living unit.

Section 6. Living Unit for a Level II PRTF.

(1) A living unit in a Level II PRTF shall:
(a) Accommodate a maximum of twelve (12) residents; and

(b) Serve one (1) gender.

(2) Environment.
(a) A Level II PRTF shall avoid hidden alcoves or blind areas.

(b) A Level II PRTF shall:
1. Be designed to prevent elopement;

2. Be designed to contain residents in the living unit until clinical staff are able to escort the resident or residents to an adjacent compartment or an exit stair;

3. Be designed to prevent contraband smuggling; and

4. Include provisions for monitoring and controlling visitor access and egress.

(c) Openings, including windows or doors, shall be controlled by locks, which shall be manual, electric, or magnetic.

(3) Bedrooms.
(a) A bedroom shall not be used for sleeping accommodations for more than two (2) residents.

(b) A bedroom shall be equipped with a bed that shall:
1. Be at least thirty-six (36) inches wide and sixty (60) inches long;

2. Accommodate the resident's size; and

3. Be located sufficient distance from radiators, heat outlets, and drafts to avoid discomfort.

(c) A resident's bed shall be equipped with:
1. A support mechanism and a clean mattress;

2. A mattress cover with rubber or impervious sheets, if necessary; and

3. Two (2) sheets, a pillow, and bed covering of sufficient quality to maintain resident comfort.

(d)
1. A single occupancy resident room shall have a minimum clear floor area of 100 square feet, exclusive of toilet rooms, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules.

2. A bedroom used for sleeping accommodations for two (2) residents shall:
a. For projects which entail the renovation of an existing licensed health facility, ensure that each bed is positioned to allow at least four (4) feet of free space between beds and four (4) feet of free space extending directly away from the foot of the bed;

b. In new construction, have a minimum floor area of eighty (80) square feet per bed, exclusive of toilet rooms, closets, lockers, wardrobes, alcoves or vestibules; and

c. Be equipped with an electronic surveillance system that is used to monitor residents, thereby alerting Level II PRTF personnel at the exact time any situation occurs which may threaten the safety of either or both residents sharing the bedroom. The surveillance system shall:
(i) Be operational on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day a week basis;

(ii) Be under the operation and direction of the Level II PRTF's clinical director;

(iii) Have the capacity to alert PRTF personnel by means of an alarm system if one resident leaves his or her bed without requesting permission; and

(iv) Not be placed in a bathing or toilet room.

(e) A resident shall not be housed in a room, detached building, or other enclosure which has not been inspected and approved for occupancy by the licensure agency and the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

(f) A bedroom shall not be located more than sixty (60) feet from a duty station, and the egress doorway shall be visible to the duty station at all times.

(g) A room shall not be used as a resident bedroom if the access is through another resident's bedroom.

(h) Each resident room shall have a chair and desk with minimum dimensions of one (1) foot and six (6) inches deep by three (3) feet wide by two (2) feet high.

(4) Resident storage.
(a) Each resident shall have within his or her room a separate wardrobe, locker, or closet for storing personal effects.

(b) Shelves for folded garments shall be used.

(c) Adequate storage shall be available for a daily change of clothes for seven (7) days.

(d) An area separate from the resident's wardrobe, locker, or closet shall be provided for storage of winter coats, raincoats, and other bulky articles of clothing, and shall be locked and under staff control.

(5) Shared bathing and toilet facilities.
(a)
1. For projects which entail the renovation of an existing licensed health facility, a bathtub or shower and a toilet shall be provided for each six (6) residents or fraction thereof.

2. For new construction, a bathtub or shower and a toilet shall be provided for every four (4) residents or fraction thereof.

(b) Each shower or bathing room shall have a toilet.

(c) Bathing facilities shall be designed and located for resident convenience and privacy.

(d) Separate bathing and showering facilities shall be maintained and be available for each sex.

(e) Each bathing facility shall have a wastebasket, an adequate supply of toilet paper, and meet the hand drying provisions established in subsection (10) of this section.

(f) If more than one (1) toilet is available in the same bathing room, each shall be partitioned for privacy and shall include a door capable of remaining closed.

(g) Bathing and showering facilities shall have enclosures or screens for individual privacy. Shower heads shall be of institutional safety type.

(h) At least one (1) bathing facility shall have space that is accessible to a resident who uses a wheelchair. The wheelchair-accessible bathing facility may serve both sexes, and the facility shall provide staff to assist residents during bathing and showering.

(i) Each bathing facility shall contain at least one (1) nondistorting mirror secured to the wall at a height which shall accommodate individuals with disabilities and other residents.

(j) A bathing facility shall not be constructed in such a way as to require a resident to pass through another resident's bedroom for access. The bathing facility shall have only one (1) door.

(k) If indicated in a resident safety risk assessment, toilet room doors shall be equipped with keyed locks that allow staff to control access to the toilet room.

(l) The door to the toilet room shall swing outward or be double-acting.

(m) Each entry door into a resident toilet room shall:
1. Be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or ANSI (American National Standards Institute) compliant; and

2. Provide space for staff to transfer residents to the toilet using portable mechanical lifting equipment.

(n) Thresholds in toilet rooms that are ADA or ANSI-compliant shall be designed to facilitate use and prevent tipping of wheelchairs or other portable wheeled equipment by residents and staff.

(6) If a staff call system is available, provisions shall be made to permit removal of call buttons or use of blank plates if appropriately documented in a resident's treatment plan.

(7) Bathing facility hardware and accessories.
(a) Special design considerations for injury and suicide prevention shall be given to shower, bath, toilet, and sink hardware and accessories, including grab bars and toilet paper holders.

(b) ADA or ANSI-compliant grab bars shall be required in ten (10) percent of the toilet rooms. The space between the bar and the wall shall be filled to prevent a cord being tied around it.

(c) Grab bars in resident toilet rooms for fully ambulatory residents shall be removable.

(d) Bars, including those that are part of fixtures which may include soap dishes, shall be sufficiently anchored to sustain a concentrated load of 250 pounds.

(e) The following shall not be permitted:
1. Towel bars;

2. Shower curtain rods; and

3. Lever handles, unless a specifically designed anti-ligature lever handle is used.

(8) Sprinkler heads and other protrusions.
(a) In unsupervised resident areas, sprinkler heads shall be recessed or of a design to minimize resident access.

(b) In resident bedrooms and bathrooms, lighting fixtures, sprinkler heads, electrical outlets, and other appurtenances shall be of the tamper-resistant type.

(9) Hand-washing stations.
(a) General hand-washing stations used by staff, residents, and food handlers shall be trimmed with valves which may be operated without hands.

(b) Single-lever or wrist blade devices shall be permitted. Blade handles shall be at least four (4) inches.

(c)
1. Sensor-regulated water fixtures shall meet user need for temperature and length of time the water flows.

2. Electronic faucets shall be capable of functioning during loss of normal power.

3. Sensor-regulated faucets with manual temperature control shall be permitted.

(d) Hand-washing stations shall include liquid or foam soap dispensers.

(10) Provisions for hand drying. Hand-washing stations shall include a hand-drying device that does not require hands to contact the dispenser and shall include:
(a) Paper or cloth units enclosed to protect against dust or soil, and to ensure single-unit dispensing; or

(b) Hot air dryers if the installation eliminates possible contamination by recirculation of the air.

(11) Ceilings.
(a) Ceilings shall be monolithic.

(b) Ceiling systems of lay-in ceiling tile design shall not be permitted.

(c) In resident bathrooms:
1. The ceiling shall be secured from access; and

2. Plumbing, piping, duct-work, or other potentially hazardous elements shall be concealed above a ceiling.

(d) In resident bedrooms and bathrooms, ceiling access panels shall be secured.

(e) In resident bedrooms and bathrooms, ventilation grilles shall be:
1. Secured and shall have small perforations to eliminate their use as a tie-off point; or

2. Of sufficient height to prevent resident access.

(12) Doors and door hardware.
(a) Door openings for resident use shall have a minimum clear width of two (2) feet ten (10) inches.

(b) Doors for private resident bathrooms or shower areas shall swing out to allow for staff emergency access.

(c)
1. Door closers shall be avoided unless required.

2. Door closer devices, if required on the resident room door, shall be mounted on the public side of the door. The door closer shall be within view of a staff workstation.

(d) Door hinges shall be designed to minimize points for hanging and may include cut hinge type.

(e) Door lever handles. Except for specifically designed anti-ligature hardware, door lever handles shall point downward when in the latched or unlatched position.

(f) Door hardware shall have tamper-resistant fasteners.

(13) Windows.
(a) Each resident room shall have one (1) window.

(b) The minimum net glazing area shall be no less than eight (8) percent of the floor area of the resident's room.

(c) If an operable window is provided in a resident's room, operation of the window shall be restricted to inhibit possible escape or suicide.

(d) Windows shall be designed to limit the opportunities for residents to seriously harm themselves or others.

(e) Glazing (interior and exterior), borrowed lights, and glass mirrors shall be fabricated with laminated safety glass or protected by polycarbonate, laminate, or safety screens.

(f) Insect screens. Windows and outdoor doors that are frequently left open shall be equipped with insect screens.

(14) Furnishings.
(a) Furniture shall be constructed to withstand physical abuse.

(b) Drawer pulls shall be of the recessed type.

(15) Living, dining, and recreation.
(a) The total area provided for living and recreation shall not be less than forty (40) square feet per resident;

(b)
1. The total area provided for dining shall not be less than fifteen (15) square feet per resident.

2. Each living unit shall have a dining area within the unit or adjacent to the unit. A dining area may be shared by two (2) living units if each unit:
a. Is adjacent to the dining area; and

b. Staggers meals so that the residents of both units do not dine together at the same time in the dining area.

(c) The living area shall:
1. Include comfortable seating for at least twelve (12) persons; and

2. Not be shared with another living unit within the same building.

(d) Indoor recreation equipment shall be available and appropriate for the ages served and shall be maintained in good condition.

(e) Enclosed storage shall be provided for recreational equipment and supplies.

(f) The facility shall provide space for outdoor recreation activities for residents. The outdoor area shall be free from litter, glass, and other objects which pose a safety hazard.

(g) Outdoor recreation equipment in good condition and appropriate for the ages of the residents shall be provided and maintained.

(h) A gymnasium or recreation area used by a Level II PRTF may be shared with a psychiatric hospital or Level I PRTF located within the same building or on the same campus.

(16) Each service area shall include a duty station and medicine dispensing area.
(a) A duty station shall be constructed to include adequate space for charting and for conducting all other aspects of a resident's care.

(b) Provision shall be made for twenty-four (24) hour distribution of medicine to residents and shall be from a medicine preparation room or unit, a self-contained medicine dispensing unit, or by another approved system.
1. Medication shall be kept in a locked storage area, a secure, self-contained dispensing unit, or other system capable of maintaining secure and controlled storage.

2. The medication dispensing area shall be under the treatment staff's visual control and shall contain a work counter, refrigerator, sink, and locked storage for biologicals and drugs.

3. The medication dispensing unit may be located at the duty station, in a clean workroom, or in an alcove under direct control of the treatment or pharmacy staff.

(c) A dedicated linen storage area shall be available and shall be used for storing clean linens.

(17) The living unit shall have at least one (1) operable food preparation area with sink, stove, and refrigerator, unless a kitchen is directly available within the same building as the living unit.

Section 7. Classroom Requirements for Level II PRTF Facilities.

(1) A Level II PRTF shall have classroom space to accommodate the residents' needs.

(2) A classroom capacity shall not exceed twelve (12) students.

Section 8. Kitchen Area for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities.

(1) If a commercial service is used or if meals are provided by an adjacent facility, dietary areas and equipment shall ensure sanitary, efficient and safe storage, processing, and handling of food products.

(2) If meals are prepared on site, the facility shall have a food service area large enough to accommodate residents and staff, and which shall be capable of maintaining a three (3) day supply of refrigerated and dry foods.

(3) The kitchen area shall include a janitor's closet with sufficient space for storage of housekeeping supplies and equipment and shall include a locked area for hazardous materials.

Section 9. Administration Area for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities. Space shall be available for administrative operations.

Section 10. Consultation and Visitation Rooms for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities. Professional consultation rooms shall be available for interview, examination, treatment, and visitation. These rooms shall afford privacy for the resident.

Section 11. Pharmacy or Drug Area for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities. Adequate facilities shall be available to accommodate the safe storage and handling of pharmaceuticals including double locking of controlled substances and refrigeration for biologicals and drugs which require refrigeration.

Section 12. Level I PRTF: Requirements for Rooms Designated for Seclusion.

(1) If a room designated for seclusion is provided by a Level I PRTF, it shall be:
(a) Completely padded and constructed to minimize the possibility of a resident's hiding, escape, injury, or suicide and shall not include fixtures, hardware, furniture, receptacles, switches, or other items that may present a risk to a secluded resident; and

(b) Used only for short-term occupancy by a resident who may have become violent or suicidal.

(2) The door to a seclusion room shall swing outward and shall have provisions for constant staff observation while maintaining privacy.

Section 13. Level II PRTF: Requirements for Rooms Designated for Seclusion.

(1) Each living unit shall have one (1) room designated for seclusion.

(2) The room designated for seclusion shall:
(a) Be constructed to minimize the possibility of a resident's hiding, escape, injury, or suicide and shall not include fixtures, hardware, furniture, receptacles, switches, or other items that may present a risk to a secluded resident;

(b) Have a minimum clear floor area of sixty (60) square feet with a minimum wall length of seven (7) feet and a maximum wall length of eleven (11) feet;

(c) Not contain outside corners or edges; and

(d)
1. For new construction, be accessed by an anteroom or vestibule that provides access to a toilet room. The door openings to the anteroom and the toilet room shall have a minimum clear width of three (3) feet eight (8) inches; or

2. If a proposal entails renovation of an existing licensed health facility:
a. An anteroom adjoining a seclusion room shall not be required; and

b. A toilet room used to accommodate a resident placed in the seclusion room:
(i) May be located within forty (40) feet of the seclusion room; and

(ii) Shall not be located in an area which would require the resident in seclusion to walk through a living, dining, or recreation area to access the toilet room.

(3) The walls, ceiling, and floor of the room designated for seclusion shall be designed to withstand direct and forceful impact.

(4) The entrance door to the room designated for seclusion shall swing out.

(5) Door openings shall be a minimum clear width of three (3) feet eight (8) inches and shall permit staff observation of the resident through a vision panel, while maintaining provisions for resident privacy.

(6) Minimum ceiling height shall be eight (8) feet.

(7) Electrical switches and receptacles shall be prohibited within the room designated for seclusion.

(8) Lighting fixtures within the seclusion room shall be tamper-resistant and designated to prevent injury to the resident.

Section 14. Storage and Service Areas for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities.

(1) Storage space shall be provided.

(2) Engineering service and equipment areas shall be provided and shall include:
(a) Storage room for housekeeping equipment that cannot be accommodated by a janitor's closet or other storage area; and

(b) Refuse area located in an area convenient to the service entrance for holding trash prior to disposal.

Section 15. Details and Finishes for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities. The facility shall be constructed and maintained to minimize risk to occupants, staff, and visitors, and shall comply with the following requirements:

(1) Details.
(a) All doors opening onto corridors shall be swing-type except elevator doors.

(b) All doors to a resident's bathroom toilet shall swing outward or shall be equipped with hardware that permits immediate access in case of emergency.

(c) Thresholds and expansion joint covers shall be flush with the floor.

(d) Ceiling height shall not be less than seven (7) feet and six (6) inches, and shall be no less than eight (8) feet in the room designated as the seclusion room in a Level II PRTF facility.

(2) Finishes.
(a) Floors shall be easily cleanable and shall have wear resistance appropriate for the location involved. Floors in the kitchen and related spaces shall be waterproof and grease-proof. Floors shall have a nonslip finish in all areas that are subject to moisture.

(b) Adjacent dissimilar floor materials shall be flush with each other to provide an even transition.

(c) Walls shall be washable and kept clean and shall be moisture-proof in areas that are adjacent to plumbing fixtures. Wall bases in dietary areas shall be free of spaces that can harbor insects.

(d) Ceilings shall be washable and kept clean and in good repair.

(e) Rooms containing heat-producing equipment such as laundries and food preparation areas shall be insulated and ventilated to prevent any floor surface from exceeding a temperature of ten (10) degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient room temperature.

Section 16. Construction for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities.

(1) Foundations shall rest on natural solid ground if a satisfactory soil is available at reasonable depths.

(2) Proper soil bearing values shall be established in accordance with recognized standards.

(3) If solid ground is not encountered at practical depths, the structure shall be supported on driven piles or drilled piers designed to support the intended load without detrimental settlement.

Section 17. Mechanical Requirements for Level I and Level II PRTF facilities.

(1) Steam and hot water systems. If boilers are provided in residential treatment facilities, the design and installation shall comply with 815 KAR 15:010 through 815 KAR 15:080.

(2) Temperature.
(a) A minimum temperature of sixty-eight (68) degrees Fahrenheit shall be provided in occupied areas during winter.

(b) A maximum temperature of eighty-five (85) degrees Fahrenheit shall be provided in occupied areas during summer.

(3) Plumbing and piping systems.
(a) All showers and bathtubs shall be equipped with a temperature-limiting device at the point of source or point of use which controls hot water at a maximum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

(b) Fixtures used in the dietary area, the clean work room, and the medication preparation area shall be trimmed with valves which can be operated without the use of hands.

(c) If valves are equipped with blade handle controls, the controls shall be approximately four (4) inches in length.

(d) Fixtures shall be installed to provide adequate side clearance for proper use of the blade handles.

(4) Water supply systems.
(a) A water supply system shall be designed to supply water to the fixtures and equipment on the upper floors at a minimum pressure of fifteen (15) pounds per square inch during maximum demand periods.

(b) An operable valve shall be installed at each water service main, branch main, riser, and branch to a group of fixtures. Stop valves shall be installed at each fixture.

(c) Insulation shall be maintained on hot, cold and chilled water piping and waste piping on which condensation may occur. Insulation of cold and chilled water lines shall include an exterior barrier.

(d) Backflow preventers (vacuum breakers) shall be installed on hose bibs and on all fixtures onto which hoses or tubing can be attached.

(e) Hot water distribution systems shall be arranged to provide hot water at each fixture.

(f) Piping over food preparation centers, food serving facilities, food storage areas, and other areas where water leakage could impact the safety or health of residents shall be kept to a minimum and shall not be exposed. Special precautions shall be taken to protect these areas from possible leakage of, or condensation from, overhead piping systems.

(5) Hot water heaters and tanks.
(a) Hot water heating equipment shall have sufficient capacity to supply the water at the temperature and amounts indicated below:

Gal/hr/bed

6 1/2

Temperature (Degrees Fahrenheit)

100-120

(b) A storage tank shall be provided and shall be fabricated of corrosion-resistant metal or have a noncorrosive lining.

(6) Prior to licensure, all plumbing specifications shall be approved by the Kentucky Division of Plumbing, Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

Section 18. Electrical Requirements for Level I and Level II PRTF Facilities.

(1) Electrical requirements of the Kentucky Building Code, 815 KAR 7:120, shall apply.

(2)
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the wiring in each PRTF shall be inspected by a certified electrical inspector and a certificate of approval shall be issued to the facility prior to occupancy.

(b) The wiring in existing buildings shall be approved by a certified electrical inspector only if the building has not been previously so approved for health care occupancy or if the State Fire Marshal finds that a hazardous condition exists.

(3) All breakers and switches shall be indexed.

(4) Spaces occupied by people, machinery, and equipment within buildings, the corresponding approaches, and parking lots shall have electric lighting.

(5) Residents' bedrooms shall have general lighting, a night light, and, if appropriate, a reading light.

(6) A resident's bedroom shall have duplex receptacles as follows:
(a) One (1) side of the head of each bed; receptacles for luminaries, television and motorized beds, if used, and one (1) receptacle on another wall.

(b) Receptacles shall be of a safety type or protected with five (5) milliampere ground fault interrupters.

(7) Duplex receptacles for general use shall be installed approximately fifty (50) feet apart in all corridors and within twenty-five (25) feet of ends of corridors. Receptacles shall be of a safety type or protected with five (5) milliampere ground fault interrupters.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 216B.042, 216B.105, 216B.455, 216B.457(21)

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