Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 19, September 20, 2024
A.
Unless otherwise indicated, all general requirements apply to both new
construction and an existing nursing home.
B. Plumbing.
(1) Plumbing shall be installed in
conformance with all applicable federal, State, and local codes and
ordinances.
(2) Plumbing and water
supplies shall be protected against backflow within a nursing home.
(3) Prevention of backflow shall be ensured
by proper installation of:
(a) Plumbing
cross-connections;
(b) Submerged
inlets; and
(c) Back
siphonage.
C.
Sewage. The nursing home shall be serviced by a public sewage disposal system
if available.
D. Private Sewage
Disposal Approval.
(1) If no approved public
sewerage system is available, a private sewage disposal may be used, if it is
approved by the Department.
(2)
Private sewage disposal systems shall comply with COMAR 26.04.02.
E. Water Supply. A nursing home
shall be served by water from a safe public water supply, if available, as
determined by the Department.
F.
Approval of Private Water Supply.
(1) If a
safe public water supply is not available, a private water supply may be used
if it is approved by the Department.
(2) Private water systems shall comply with
all federal, State, and local requirements.
G. Emergency Procedures. Emergency procedures
shall be established and documented that enable the nursing home to provide
water in all essential areas in the event of the loss of the normal water
supply or if the nursing home would have to shelter in place during an
emergency or disaster. These written procedures shall:
(1) Be a part of the nursing home's Emergency
and Disaster Plan, in conformance with Regulation .40 of this chapter;
and
(2) Describe the nursing home's
plan to ensure that there is an adequate amount of safe drinking water for all
residents and staff for a minimum of 72 hours.
H. Adequacy of Pressure.
(1) The water supply shall be adequate in
quantity and delivered under sufficient pressure to satisfactorily serve
equipment in the nursing home.
(2)
A minimum pressure of 15 psi during demand period is required at top floor
equipment.
I.
Temperature. The water heating equipment shall supply adequate amounts of
heated water according to the following temperature guidelines for:
(1) Resident use, the water temperature shall
be between 100°F (38°C) and 120°F (49°C):
(a) Washing;
(b) Bathing; and
(c) Other personal use;
(2) Food preparation use, as referenced in
COMAR 10.15.03; and
(3) Laundry
use, as referenced in the 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing
Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings.
