Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 144 - Health Department
Chapter 4658 - NURSING HOMES
RESIDENT AREAS; NEW CONSTRUCTION
Part 4658.4145 - TOILET ROOM LAYOUT; NEW CONSTRUCTION

A. The door opening must have a clear opening of at least 32 inches. Hinged doors must swing out, or must be double acting and provided with an emergency-type release stop.

B. The center of the toilet must be located 18 inches from the side wall and there must be at least three feet of unobstructed space in front of the bowl. No basic interior room dimension may be less than 42 inches.

C. The toilet must be mounted at a height of not less than 17 inches nor more than 19 inches above the floor, measured to the top of the seat. The bowl must be elongated with an open-front seat.

D. Flush valves must be a quiet operating type.

E. The paper holder must be securely anchored on the side wall near the toilet, six inches above the seat, and six to 12 inches in front of the seat with both dimensions measured to the center of the holder.

F. A vertical grab bar, at least 18 inches long, must be provided on the side wall near the toilet. The low end must be mounted at a height of ten inches above the toilet seat and at a distance of 12 inches in front of the seat. A grab bar on each side of the toilet is recommended.

G. Grab bars must have an outside diameter of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches, and must provide a clearance of 1-1/2 inches between the grab bar and the wall. Grab bars must be securely anchored to sustain a load of 250 pounds for five minutes.

H. The sink, with or without a counter top, must be mounted at a height of 32 to 34 inches above the floor, measured to the top edge.

I. A towel bar must be provided at a height of 42 to 44 inches above the floor. It must be a horizontal grab bar.

J. A shelf large enough to accommodate a resident's personal toilet accessories must be provided, unless space is provided by a suitable sink or a counter.