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 814 - COMMUNITY RESIDENCES AT THE RESIDENTIAL CARE AND SUPPORTED RESIDENTIAL CARE LEVEL
Section He-P 814.22 - Physical Environment

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 814.22

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) The licensed premises shall be maintained, inside and outside, so as to provide for the health, safety, well-being, and comfort of individuals and employees, including reasonable accommodations for individuals and employees with mobility limitations.

(b) The CR shall comply with all state and local codes and ordinances for:

(1) Zoning;

(2) Building;

(3) Health;

(4) Fire;

(5) Waste disposal; and

(6) Water.

(d) The CR shall have a telephone accessible at all times in case of emergency.

(e) Doors and windows opening to the outside air shall be tight fitting.

(f) The CR shall be free from environmental nuisances such as noise and odors.

(g) Equipment providing heat within a CR including, but not limited to, gas furnace or boiler, oil furnace or boiler, wood stove, or pellet stove shall:

(1) Maintain a temperature of at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day if individual(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.

(h) Electric heating systems shall be exempt from (g) (2) above.

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

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

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

(j) Unvented fuel-fired heaters shall not be used in any CR.

(k) Plumbing shall be sized, installed, and maintained in accordance with the state plumbing code as adopted under RSA 329-A:15 and RSA 155-A.

(l) Ventilation shall be provided by means of a mechanical ventilation system or one or more screened windows that can be opened.

(m) Doors that are self-closing and remain closed when not in use shall be exempt from the requirement in He-P 814.21(r) .

(n) Lighting shall be available to allow individuals to partake in activities such as reading, needlework, or handicrafts.

(o) The CR shall have dining facilities to accommodate each individual.

(p) All CRs shall have at least one toilet and one hand sink and as many additional toilets and sinks as are necessary to meet the needs of the individuals in the home, as follows:

(1) At a minimum there shall be one sink, toilet, and tub or shower for every 6 individuals, and there shall be as many additional showers or bathing facilities as are necessary to meet the needs of the individuals in the home; and

(2) Separate bathroom facilities for family members and employees shall not be counted in the 1:6 ratio as set forth in (1) above.

(q) Each bathroom shall be equipped with:

(1) Soap dispensers;

(2) Paper towels or a hand-drying device providing heated air; and

(3) Hot and cold running water.

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

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

(t) There shall be sufficient space and equipment for the services provided at the CR, as follows:

(1) Furniture to allow for each individual to sit comfortably as necessary throughout the day;

(2) Tables and chairs to assure that each individual has a seat at a table for each meal or snack and for doing activities such as crafts or puzzles; and

(3) Supplies such as plates, cups, glasses, silverware, liquid soap for hand washing, toilet tissue, and paper towels in a supply to accommodate the number of individuals authorized by the license.

(u) There shall be at least 80 square feet per one bedroom and 140 square feet per room with 2 beds exclusive of space required for closets, wardrobe, dressers, and toilet room.

(v) No individual's room shall accommodate more than 2 individuals.

(w) Each individual shall have:

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

(2) A firm mattress with cover;

(3) A pillow, linens, and blankets;

(4) Personal hygiene and grooming equipment such as a comb, toothbrush, and razor;

(5) A bureau with mirror;

(6) A bedside table;

(7) A lamp; and

(8) An upholstered chair.

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

(w) The individual may provide items listed in (w) from his or her own personal possessions provided that they are clean and in good repair.

(z) Each individual room door shall be of the side hinge type. Folding doors or curtains shall be prohibited.

(aa) Each individual room shall contain a closet or storage space for the individual's personal belongings.

(ab) Each individual room shall have its own separate entry to permit the individual to reach his or her room without passing through the room of another person.

(ac) Individuals shall have a living or multi-purpose room for their use which has a capacity of meeting the needs of the individuals. Such rooms shall be provided with reading lamps, chairs, tables, and couches, which shall be comfortable and in good repair.

#9288, eff 10-3-08, EXPIRED: 10-3-16

New. #12048, INTERIM, eff 11-19-16, EXPIRED: 5-18-17

New. #12374, eff 9-1-17

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