Code of Maine Rules
10 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
144 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - GENERAL
Chapter 113 - Regulations Governing the Licensing and Functioning of Assisted Housing Programs (includes Assisted Living Programs, Residential Care Facilities, and Private Non-Medical Institutions) (formerly 10-149 Ch. 113)
Level III - Residential Care Facilities
Section 144-113-III-17 - Sanitation and Safety

Universal Citation: 10 ME Code Rules § 144-113-III-17

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

17.1 Cleanliness. The facility must be kept clean and shall be maintained in a condition ensuring the health and safety of residents. All refuse collected in common areas or from resident's rooms shall be stored in cleanable, rodent-proof, covered containers, pending removal. [Class III]

17.1.1 The facility and surrounding premises shall show evidence of routine maintenance and housekeeping and repair of wear and tear shall be made in a timely fashion.

17.1.2 The administrator shall take immediate steps to correct any condition, in the physical facility or on the premises, which poses a danger to a resident's life, health and/or safety. [Classes II/III]

17.2 Insect and rodent control. There shall be no evidence of rodent or insect infestation. All reasonable precautions will be taken in maintaining a safe, sanitary and comfortable living environment in regards to controlling insects and rodents in the facility. Doors and windows used for ventilation must be screened.

17.3 Food safety and sanitation. Food shall be stored, prepared and served in a safe and sanitary manner. [Class III]

17.3.1 Kitchen and food preparation areas shall be located away from possible food contamination sources. [Class III]

17.3.2 Kitchen and food preparation areas must be clean, and food stored so as to be free from spoilage and contamination. [Class III]

17.3.3 All equipment, dishes, glassware and cooking utensils shall be in good repair. [Class III]

17.3.4 Refrigerator temperature shall not exceed forty-one degrees (41°) Fahrenheit. [Class II]

17.4 Bathrooms. Bathrooms must be safe, sanitary and in good repair.

17.4.1 Adequate indoor bathing and flush toilet facilities for the number of residents in the facility must be provided. For all facilities licensed on or after the effective date of these regulations, a bathroom equipped with flush toilets and hand washing facilities at a ratio of at least one (1) flush toilet for each six (6) users shall be available.

17.4.2 Bathing facilities shall afford privacy.

17.4.3 If a resident needs grab bars to bathe safely, a bathing facility equipped with grab bars that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards will be required.

17.4.4 Facilities shall supply a sanitary means for washing and drying hands in bathrooms.

17.5 Telephone. There must be a listed telephone available to all residents.

17.6 Heat. Resident areas of the facility shall be maintained at a temperature of, at least, seventy degrees (70°) Fahrenheit or higher as necessary to ensure the comfort of the residents. Thermometers shall be placed in all resident areas. This does not apply to bedrooms where residents control the temperature. [Class III]

17.7 Hot water. Water temperatures in resident areas shall not exceed one hundred twenty degrees (120°) Fahrenheit. Hot water shall be supplied in adequate quantities. [Class III]

17.8 Exits. In facilities licensed prior to June 1, 1989, there must be at least two (2) usable exits that are remote from each other. In facilities initially licensed on or after June 1, 1989, there must be at least two (2) usable exit doors that are remote from each other. Exits must be clear of obstructions. [Class III]

17.9 Handrails. Inside and outside stairs are required to have handrails. Handrails on each side of the stairs may be required to meet the needs of residents. [Class III]

17.10 Private water supply. A private water supply shall be tested annually and a satisfactory result obtained. The Department will furnish the applicant with forms for water testing which must be submitted to the Division of Health Engineering. No license shall be issued to a facility that does not get its water from a municipal water system until:

17.10.1 A water analysis report has been obtained, indicating that the water supply meets the standards of the Division of Health Engineering, Department of Health and Human Services; or

17.10.2 An alternative source of water that meets those standards will be used until a satisfactory water analysis report is obtained. The alternate water source must be approved in writing by the Department. [Class III]

17.11 Poisonous and toxic materials. When not in use, poisonous and toxic materials such as cleaning solutions, compounds and other non-food supplies, shall be stored in compartments which are used for no other purpose. They shall be separated from the food storage and preparation areas, clean equipment and utensil storage rooms and medication storage areas. Bactericides and cleaning compounds shall not be stored in the same cabinet or area of the room with insecticides, rodenticides or other poisonous materials. All containers must be properly labeled for identification. [Class III]

17.12 Animals. There shall be proof of rabies vaccinations for household pets. Pets must not present a danger to residents or guests. The facility shall be free of pet odors and waste shall be disposed of regularly. [Class III]

17.13 Dryer ventilation. Dryers shall be vented to the exterior of the building. [Class III]

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