Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 24 - Mental Health
Part 2 - Operational Standards for Mental Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Community Service Providers
Chapter 30 - Residential Services for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Rule 24-2-30.9 - Shared Supported Living Services for Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Environment and Safety

A. Each housing unit/house must provide operable 2A-10B, C multi-purpose fire extinguishers in fixed locations that are readily accessible for use in the home, (i.e., flammable storage areas, kitchens, laundry areas, garages, gas water heater locations) and must be mounted in a secure manner.

B. Agency providers must document that all fire extinguishers are properly maintained and serviced. Housing units/houses must have evidence that fire extinguishers are being recharged or replaced, as needed, but at a minimum every six (6) years. Fire extinguishers that cannot be recharged for whatever reason must be replaced immediately.

C. Each housing unit/house must have, at a minimum, operable carbon monoxide detectors located where natural gas or any other source of carbon monoxide emission is used or where there is an open flame (e.g., gas heater, gas water heater, etc.). One (1) carbon monoxide detector must be located in every one thousand (1,000) square foot area or less.

D. In lieu of posted escape routes, agency providers must document training that prepares a person to exit his/her housing unit/house in the event of emergency.

E. Training must take place upon admission and at least monthly thereafter. This documentation must be maintained on site, in each person's record.

F. Upon admission and at least annually thereafter, training must be provided to people receiving Shared Supported Living Services (whether or not the housing unit/house is owned or controlled by the agency provider) which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

G. Newly certified service locations can have no more than four (4) people in a single dwelling.

H. Shared Supported Living Services locations must be a "home-like" environment.

I. All service locations must have furnishings that are safe, up-to-date, comfortable, appropriate, and adequate. Furnishings, to the greatest extent possible, are chosen by the people currently living in the home.

J. All agency providers must provide access to a washer and dryer in the home, apartment, or apartment complex and must ensure the laundry room or area has an exterior ventilation system for the clothes dryer free from excessive lint and dust accumulation.

K. Agency providers must develop policies regarding pets and animals on the premises, if allowed by the landlord. Animal/Pet policies must address, at a minimum, the following:

L. Bedrooms must be appropriately furnished with a minimum of a single bed, chest of drawers, appropriate lighting and adequate storage/closet space for each person.

M. Beds must be provided with a good grade of mattress which is at least four (4) inches thick on a raised bed frame. Cots or roll away beds may not be used.

N. Each bed must be equipped with a minimum of one (1) pillow and case, two (2) sheets, spread, and blanket(s). An adequate supply of linens must be available to change linens at least once a week or sooner if the linens become soiled. People must be able to choose their bedding.

O. People have the freedom to furnish and decorate their own rooms in compliance with any lease restrictions that may be in place regarding wall color, wall hangings, etc.

P. Each person must be provided at least two (2) sets of bath linens, including bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths.

Q. Auditory smoke/fire alarms with a noise level loud enough to awaken the people which must be located in each bedroom, hallways and/or corridors, and common areas.

R. Shared Supported Living Services units using fuel burning equipment and/or appliances (i.e., gas heater, gas water heater, etc.) must have carbon monoxide alarms/detectors placed in a central location outside of sleeping areas.

S. People must not have to travel through any room not under their control (i.e., subject to locking) to reach the designated exit, visiting area, dining room, kitchen, or bathroom.

T. All service locations must have separate storage areas for:

U. All service locations must ensure an adequate, operable heating and cooling system is provided to maintain temperature between sixty-eight (68) degrees and seventy-eight (78) degrees Fahrenheit.

V. The setting is integrated in and supports full access to the community to the same extent as people not receiving Shared Supported Living Services.

W. Agency providers must provide furnishings used in common areas (den, dining, and bathrooms) if:

X. People must have keys to their living unit if they so choose, to ensure privacy and dignity. Documentation must be maintained in each person's record upon admission and annually thereafter.

Y. To protect privacy and dignity, bedrooms must have lockable entrances with each person having a key to his/her bedroom and only appropriate personnel having keys. Documentation must be maintained in each person's record upon admission and annually thereafter.

Z. People may share bedrooms based on their choices. Individual rooms are preferred, but no more than two (2) people may share a bedroom. Each person sharing a bedroom must be provided means to secure their belongings, for example lockable closet or lockable footlocker, depending on the needs/desires of each person.

AA. Each bedroom must have at least two (2) means of egress.

BB. The exit door(s) nearest the person's bedroom must not be locked in a manner that prohibits ease of exit.

CC. All agency providers must ensure visiting areas are provided for people and visitors, and each visiting area must have at least two (2) means of egress.

DD. The person's bedroom must not have windows over forty-four (44) inches off the floor if identified as a means of egress. All windows at all levels must be operable.

EE. The person's bedroom must meet the following dimension requirements: