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

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 10:44B-6.4

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.

1. First floor windows shall have an operable window space of five square feet.

2. Second floor windows shall have an operable window space of 5.7 square feet.

3. Plastic or any other form of covering on a licensed bedroom window shall be prohibited.

4. Window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, window shades, etc., shall be installed on the windows to afford privacy and maintained in good condition.

(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.

1. The doorknob must have a privacy lock, which can be unlocked readily from the inside. The key or other device to open the doorknob from the outside shall be kept readily available only to the licensee or alternate for emergency entry into the room.

2. Licensed bedrooms shall not be a means of access to any other room, except a bathroom that is for sole use of the bedroom's occupants. The primary access to an individual's bedroom shall not be through a bathroom or other bedroom.

(h) There shall be a limit of two individuals to a bedroom, which shall contain the following minimum areas:

1. 70 square feet for occupancy by one person; and

2. 130 square feet for occupancy by two people.

(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:

1. A separate bed, maintained in good, firm, sanitary condition and which consists of a clean, fire-resistant mattress no less than four-inches thick, which is of proper size and height for the individual's comfort.
i. Hospital beds shall be utilized only for individuals requiring them and upon documentation from the physician.

ii. Fold-up or convertible type beds, roll away beds, cots, futons, hide-a-beds, trundle beds, bunk beds, Vail beds, air beds, and mattresses on the floor shall be prohibited.

iii. A clean and well maintained box spring shall be in use on all beds, except when the bed has a bed spring or is a platform bed.

iv. The use of vinyl or fabric mattress and/or box spring protectors is permitted provided they are designed for that purpose and are of fire-resistant material. Shipping plastic or any other form of covering is prohibited.

v. Protective railings around the bed may not be utilized unless the individual has a medical condition that warrants their use and there is written authorization by the physician and documentation in the service plan;

2. At least two sets of sheets, pillowcases, and blankets per individual in good, clean condition, which shall be changed and washed a minimum of once a week. Bed linens shall be changed before each new admission;

3. A standard size or larger pillow made of fire resistant material, and non-allergenic material if necessary;

4. A dresser or sufficient drawer space for each individual to neatly store personal items or clothing and which is maintained in good condition. Out-of-season clothing may be stored in a place other than the individual's bedroom;

5. An enclosed closet or free standing sturdy wardrobe large enough to accommodate the individual's clothing and that has doors or enclosures that are operable and maintained in good condition;

6. A mirror that is of sufficient size for the individual to dress and view him- or herself and which is secured so that it cannot be knocked over or broken; and

7. A nightstand or side bed stand.

(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.

1. If the individual refuses or does not have the ability to learn to maintain his or her bedroom in a safe and clean manner, it shall be the licensee's responsibility to ensure that the room is maintained in a safe and clean manner.

2. The licensee shall ensure that the individual has sufficient space to move about the room safely and that garbage or waste is disposed of on a regular basis.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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