Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 93 - Hospitals
Subchapter J - Physical Environment
Section I-9415 - Patient Rooms

A. Except as provided for in intensive care units, all patient rooms shall be outside rooms with a window area of clear glass of not less than 12 square feet.

B. In hospitals constructed prior to November 20, 1990 single rooms shall contain at least 80 square feet and multi-bed rooms shall contain at least 70 square feet per bed. In hospitals constructed subsequent to November 20, 1990 single rooms must contain at least 100 square feet and multi-bed rooms shall contain at least 80 square feet per bed, exclusive of fixed cabinets, fixtures, and equipment, in accordance with Guidelines for Construction and Equipment of Hospital and Medical Facilities, 1987 Edition. In hospitals constructed subsequent to March 1, 1995, single rooms must contain at least 120 square feet and multi-bed rooms shall contain at least 100 square feet per bed, exclusive of fixed cabinets, fixtures, and equipment, in accordance with Guidelines for Construction and Equipment of Hospitals and Medical Facilities, Current Edition. Any patient room shall not contain more than four beds. Rooms shall have at least a 7 1/2 foot ceiling height over the required area.

C. There shall be at least 3 feet between beds.

D. Rooms shall be arranged so as to permit the movement of a wheeled stretcher to the side of each bed.

E. There shall be sufficient and satisfactory separate storage space for clothing, toilet articles and other personal belongings of patients.

F. Every patient room shall have a lavatory. This lavatory is not necessary in rooms with an adjoining toilet or bathroom that has a lavatory. In new construction, lavatory requirements will be directed by Guidelines for Construction and Equipment of Hospitals and Medical Facilities Current Edition.

G. There shall be at least one toilet bowl with accessories, lavatory basin and bathing facility reserved for patient use on each patient floor and additional toilets, lavatories, and bathing facilities to adequately meet the needs of employees, professional personnel and patients on each nursing unit.