New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 7 - HEALTH
Chapter 8 - RESIDENTIAL HEALTH FACILITIES
Part 3 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING RESIDENTIAL SHELTER CARE FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN
Section 7.8.3.127 - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SECLUSION ROOMS IN COMMUNITY HOMES
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 6, March 26, 2024
Any facility licensed pursuant to these regulations that uses a seclusion room in its program must complies with all of the following:
A. The room must have no less than 80 square feet of floor area.
B. The door must be of substantial construction either one and three-quarter inches, bonded solid core or metal able to withstand unusual stress.
C. The door must be at least 32 inches wide, preferably 36 inches.
D. The door must swing outward to prevent children from barricading themselves in the room.
E. The door must have 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 must be on the door. It must have a quickly-operated throw bolt and key lock.
G. The floor must be 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 must be of high-impact resistance with nothing protruding from the walls that would allow for climbing by children.
I. The ceiling must be of monolithic construction and unreachable to children.
J. Light fixtures must be security rated and recessed so children cannot break the lens, bulbs, etc.
K. Windows in the room must have security-rated screens with locks that cannot be picked.
L. There must be nothing else in the room, including electrical outlets, switches, holes, hardware, or places to hook things. All heating and air-conditioning registers must be out of reach. There must be no sharp edges in the room such as window sills, baseboards, or wainscots.
M. Rooms must be approved in writing from the State Fire Marshal or fire authority having jurisdiction. These records must be maintained by the facility.
N. There must be an observation room adjoining or nearby the seclusion room that permits continuous close observation by staff of a child placed in the seclusion room.
O. A toilet room with a sink must be immediately accessible to the seclusion room.
