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 826 - SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES
Section He-P 826.24 - Physical Environment

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 826.24

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) The SUD-RTF shall:

(1) Have all emergency entrances and exits accessible at all times;

(2) Be maintained in good repair and kept free of hazards to personnel and clients, including hazards from falls, burns, or electric shocks;

(3) Be free from environmental nuisances, including excessive noise and odors;

(4) Keep all corridors free from obstructions; and

(5) Take reasonable measures to prevent the presence of rodents, insects, and vermin to include:
a. Having tightly fitting screens on all doors, windows, or other openings to the outside unless the door is self-closing and remains closed when not in use;

b. Repairing holes and caulking of pipe channels; and

c. Extermination by a pesticide applicator licensed under RSA 430.

(c) Equipment providing heat within an SUD-RTF including, gas furnace or boiler, oil furnace or boiler, wood stove, or pellet stove 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) Electric heating systems shall be exempt from (c) (2) above.

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

(f) 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.

(g) 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.

(h) 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.

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

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

(k) In an SUD-RTF, there shall be at least 70 square feet per room with a single bed and 120 square feet per room with 2 beds, exclusive of space required for closets, wardrobe and toilet facilities.

(l) In an SUD-RTF which provides full medical withdrawal management, there shall be at least 120 square feet per room for a single bed, exclusive of space required for closets, wardrobe and toilet facilities.

(m) If an SUD-RTF was licensed as a He-P 807 residential treatment and rehabilitation facility prior to the implementation of these rules, the licensee shall be exempt from (k) and (l) above.

(n) Each bedroom shall:

(1) Contain no more than 2 beds;

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

(3) Have a side hinge or pocket door that latches and 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 evaluation.

(o) 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; 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.

(p) The client may use his or her own personal possessions provided they do not pose a risk to the client or others and may waive any of the items in (o) above with a note signed by the client or guardian and which note shall be placed in the client file.

(q) 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.

(r) 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.

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

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

(u) Screens shall be provided for:

(1) Doors;

(2) Windows; or

(3) Other openings to the outside.

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

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