New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 8 - HEALTH
Chapter 43 - STANDARDS FOR LICENSURE OF RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES LOCATED WITH, AND OPERATED BY, LICENSED HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Subchapter 3A - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FOR EXISTING RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Section 8:43-3A.2 - Resident bedrooms

(a) Sleeping rooms for one resident shall have a minimum of 70 square feet of clear and usable floor area. "Clear and usable floor area" means space exclusive of toilet rooms, fixed closets, fixed wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules.

(b) Sleeping rooms occupied by more than one resident shall have a minimum of 50 square feet of clear floor area per resident. There shall be three feet of clear space between beds and at the foot of each bed to insure comfort and safety to residents. Space for storage of personal possessions and a non-folding arm chair shall be provided for each bed.

(c) Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in (a) and (b) above, no existing residential health care facility shall be required to remove beds that were licensed on or before September 20, 1999 to achieve compliance.

(d) No more than four residents shall be housed in any one room, regardless of room size.

(e) Resident bedroom doors may be lockable by the occupant only from the corridor side (outside) by the use of a key. Egress from the room shall be possible at all times by turning the doorknob or pressing a lever. Duplicate keys to resident rooms which are locked shall be carried by designated staff at all times.