New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
He - Department of Health and Human Services
Subtitle He-P - Former Division of Public Health Services
Chapter He-P 800 - RESIDENTIAL CARE AND HEALTH FACILITY RULES
Part He-P 807 - RULES FOR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES
Section He-P 807.23 - Physical Environment

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 807.23

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) The physical environment shall be maintained, inside and outside, so as to provide for the health, safety, well-being, and comfort of client(s) and personnel, including reasonable accommodations for clients and personnel with mobility limitations.

(b) Equipment providing heat within an RTRF including, but not limited to, gas furnace or boiler, oil furnace or boiler, wood or pellet stove, or wood or pellet furnace shall:

(1) Maintain a temperature as follows, except where clients have control of the thermostat in their own room:

a. Be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night; and

b. Be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day if the client(s) are present; and

(2) Be serviced once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer with written documentation of such service retained for at least 4 years.

(d) Portable space heating devices shall be prohibited, unless the following are met:

(1) Such devices are used only in employee areas where personnel are present and awake at all times; and

(2) The heating elements of such devices do not exceed 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

(e) Unvented fuel-fired heaters shall not be used in any RTRF.

(f) Plumbing shall be sized, installed, and maintained in accordance with the International Plumbing Code, as specified in the state building code under RSA 155-A:1, IV, as amended by the building code review board pursuant to RSA 155:A:10,V.

(g) Ventilation shall be provided in all enclosed living areas by means of a mechanical ventilation system or one or more screened windows that can be opened.

(h) Each client bedroom shall have natural lighting provided by at least one operable window with a screen to the outside, which is of a size equivalent to or greater than 8% of the room's gross square footage or comparable artificial lighting.

(i) The number of sinks, toilets, tubs, or showers shall be in a ratio of one for every 6 individuals, unless household members and personnel have separate bathroom facilities not used by clients.

(j) All showers and tubs shall have slip resistant floors and surfaces which are intact, easily cleanable, and impervious to water.

(k) All hand-washing facilities shall be provided with hot and cold running water.

(l) In an RTRF licensed for 16 or fewer clients, there shall be at least 80 square feet per room with a single bed and 160 square feet per room with 2 beds, exclusive of space required for closets, wardrobe, and toilet facilities.

(m) In an RTRF licensed for 17 or more clients, there shall be at least 100 square feet for each client in each private bedroom and at least 80 square feet for each client in a semi-private bedroom, exclusive of space required for closets, wardrobes, and toilet facilities.

(n) Existing bedrooms in an RTRF licensed prior to the 2019 effective date of these rules shall be exempt from (l) and (m) above.

(o) Each bedroom shall:

(1) Contain no more than 2 beds;

(2) Have its own separate entry to permit the client to reach his/her bedroom without passing through the room of another client;

(3) Have a side hinge or pocket door that meets applicable codes, and not a folding door or a curtain;

(4) Not be used simultaneously for other purposes;

(5) Be separated from halls, corridors, and other rooms by floor to ceiling walls; and

(6) Be located on the same level as the bathroom facilities, if the client has impaired mobility as identified by the assessment.

(p) The licensee shall provide the following for the clients' use, as needed:

(1) A bed appropriate to the needs of the client;

(2) A firm mattress that complies with Saf-C 6000 under RSA 153 and as amended pursuant to RSA 153:5, I by the state fire marshal with the board of fire control;

(3) Clean linens, blankets, and a pillow;

(4) A bureau;

(5) A mirror;

(6) A bedside table;

(7) Adequate lighting;

(8) A chair;

(9) A closet or storage space for personal belongings; and

(10) Window blinds, shades or curtains that provide privacy.

(r) The client may use his or her own personal possessions provided they do not pose a risk to the client or others.

(s) The resident or guardian may indicate and the home shall document that the resident does not wish or need to have one of more of the items in (p) above and the reason for the removal.

(t) The licensee shall provide the following rooms to meet the needs of clients:

(1) One or more living rooms or multi-purpose rooms; and

(2) Dining facilities with a seating capacity capable of meeting the needs of all clients.

(u) Each licensee shall have a communication system in place so that all clients can effectively contact personnel when they need assistance with care or in an emergency.

(v) Lighting shall be available to allow clients to participate in activities such as reading, needlework or handicrafts.

(w) All bathroom, bedroom, and closet door latches or locks shall be designed for easy opening from the inside and outside in an emergency.

(x) Screens shall be provided for:

(1) Doors;

(2) Windows; or

(3) Other openings to the outside.

(y) Doors that are self-closing and remain closed when not in use shall be exempt from the requirement in (x) above.

#9873-A, eff 2-24-11; ss by #12727, INTERIM, eff 2-20-19, EXPIRED: 8-19-19

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