New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 7 - HEALTH
Chapter 20 - MENTAL HEALTH
Part 12 - LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES
Section 7.20.12.83 - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SECLUSION OR SECURITY ROOMS

A. the room has no less than 80 square feet of floor area;

B. the door is of substantial construction either one and three-quarter inches, bonded solid core or metal able to withstand unusual stress;

C. the door is at least 32 inches wide, preferably 36 inches;

D. the door swings outward to prevent children from barricading themselves in the room;

E. the door has a fixed wired glass vision panel not to exceed 1,296 square inches, and mounted in steel or other approved metal frame;

F. a dual lock system that is simple to operate is on the door; it has a quickly operated throw bolt and key lock;

G. the floor is of substantial construction with a smooth surface so that it presents no danger in terms of materials that peel, splinter, or cause burns;

H. walls are of high impact resistance with nothing protruding from the walls that would allow for climbing by children;

I. the ceiling is of monolithic construction and unreachable to children;

J. light fixtures are security rated and recessed so children cannot break the lens, bulbs, etc.;

K. windows in the room have security-rated screens with locks that cannot be picked;

L. there is nothing else in the room, including electrical outlets, switches, holes, hardware, or places to hook things; all heating and air-conditioning registers are out of reach; there are no sharp edges in the room such as window sills, baseboards, or wainscots;

M. rooms are approved in writing from the state fire marshal or fire authority having jurisdiction; these records are maintained by the facility;

N. the observation room is convenient to a staff's station to permit continuous close observation of clients;

O. a toilet room with a lavatory is immediately accessible.