New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 44B - MANUAL OF STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY CARE RESIDENCES
Subchapter 6 - PHYSICAL PLANT AND SAFETY
Section 10:44B-6.4 - Individual bedrooms
Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024
(a) Individuals shall occupy only those bedrooms that have been inspected and approved by the Office of Licensing.
(b) Individuals that use wheelchairs and do not ambulate shall not have bedrooms above or below the first floor of any residence.
(c) The licensee's bedroom shall be located within one floor of an individual's bedroom.
(d) Licensed bedrooms shall be limited to floors on or above grade level, however, under certain conditions, below grade level occupancy may be permitted if more than half the height of the room is above grade level, and it is provided with two or more independent means of egress, at least one of which leads directly outside; and there are no other conditions that hinder the health, safety, or welfare of the individual.
(e) Third floor bedroom occupancy by individuals shall be prohibited.
(f) Every licensed bedroom shall be provided with at least one fully accessible, unblocked, and operable window opening directly outdoors.
(g) Licensed bedrooms shall be provided with a solid surface entry door in good condition that opens easily, latches securely, and that has a doorknob. These doors shall not be prevented from opening completely or be blocked in any way.
(h) There shall be a limit of two individuals to a bedroom, which shall contain the following minimum areas:
(i) Individuals shall not share a bedroom unless there is documentation in each individual's service plan, through a person-centered planning process, that this choice is based on the personal preference of each individual and that the individual has participated in the selection process.
(j) At least one half of the floor area of the licensed room shall have a ceiling height of at least 7 1/2 feet but shall be no less than five feet. The floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling is less than five feet shall not be considered in determining allowable floor space.
(k) Every licensed bedroom shall be provided with sufficient electrical outlets and lamps or light fixtures for the individual(s) to read, dress, or engage in hobbies or desired activities.
(l) The licensee shall not store personal belongings of any other persons, in a licensed bedroom, besides the individuals occupying the licensed room. Licensees may temporarily use an unoccupied licensed bedroom for their own minimal storage while the room is vacant, but shall remove all belongings prior to placement of an individual into the bedroom.
(m) At no time shall an occupant of the home, family member, or visitor occupy a licensed room while it is being occupied by individuals. A vacant licensed room may be temporarily occupied by someone other than individuals, only upon written request by the licensee and approval by the placing agency.
(n) The licensee shall provide each individual with the following:
(o) The licensee shall assist an individual in maintaining or decorating his or her room according to the individual's personal taste and preference.
(p) The licensee shall assist an individual in maintaining his or her bedroom in a safe and clean manner.