Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 50 - PUBLIC HEALTH-MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Part II - Nursing Facilities
Subpart 3 - Standards for Payment
Chapter 101 - Standards for Payment for Nursing Facilities
Subchapter C - Administration
Section II-10115 - Physical Environment and Sanitation

A. The facility must be designed, constructed, equipped, and maintained to protect the health and safety of residents, personnel, and the public as set forth below.

B. Favorable Environment for Residents. Resident living areas are designed and equipped for the comfort and privacy of the resident. Each room is equipped with or conveniently located near adequate toilet and bathing facilities appropriate in number, size, and design to meet the needs of residents. Each resident room contains a suitable bed and functional furniture appropriate to the residents needs.

C. Hot Water. An adequate supply of hot water for resident use is available. Temperature of hot water at plumbing fixtures used by residents is automatically regulated by control valves to assure a temperature between 110 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the faucet outlet.

D. Isolation Techniques. Written effective procedures in aseptic and isolation techniques are followed by all personnel. Procedures are reviewed annually and revised when necessary for effectiveness and improvement.

E. Housekeeping. The facility employs sufficient housekeeping personnel and provides all necessary equipment to maintain a safe, clean, and orderly interior. An employee is designated full-time responsibility for this service and for supervision and training of housekeeping personnel. A facility that has a contract with an outside resource for housekeeping services may be found to be in compliance with this standard provided the facility and/or outside resources meet the requirements of the standard.

F. Maintenance of Equipment, Building, and Grounds. The facility establishes a preventive maintenance program to ensure that equipment is operative and that the interior and exterior of the building are clean and orderly. All essential mechanical, electrical, and resident care equipment is maintained in safe operating condition.

G. Nursing Unit. Each nursing unit has at least the following basic service areas: Nurses station, storage and preparation area(s) for drugs and biologicals, and utility and storage rooms that are adequate in size, conveniently located, and well lighted to facilitate staff functioning. The nurses station is equipped to register residents' calls through a communication system from resident areas, including rooms and toilet and bathing facilities.

H. Environment. The facility must provide: