Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 0465 - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Subtitle 0465-02 - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Department of
Chapter 0465-02-05 - Adequacy of Environment and Services
Section 0465-02-05-.02 - ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LICENSEES

(1) The environment must be maintained in a safe manner and a continuing effort made to eliminate potential hazards.

(2) The environment must be maintained in a sanitary and clean condition, free from all accumulation of dirt and rubbish, well-ventilated, and free from foul, stale, or musty odors.

(3) The environment must be kept free of mice, rats, and other rodents.

(4) Housekeeping practices and standards must be maintained which will ensure the eradication of flies, roaches, and other vermin.

(5) All interior and exterior stairs and steps must be equipped with securely and safely installed handrails.

(6) All interior and exterior stairways, halls, porches, walkways, and all other means of egress and areas of exit must be maintained free of any obstacles, including furniture or other stored items.

(7) A heating system must be provided which is capable of maintaining a comfortable humidity level at all times within the environment and a minimum temperature of sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit.

(8) A cooling, natural ventilation or air conditioning system must be provided which is capable of maintaining a comfortable humidity level at all times within the environment and a maximum temperature of eighty-five (85) degrees Fahrenheit.

(9) Operable windows for ventilation must be provided unless the requirement for operable windows is otherwise exempted by the licensee's life safety occupancy classification and the environment is equipped with an air conditioning system.

(10) All operable windows used for ventilation must be equipped with screens which do not render the window unusable if the windows are also required for escape or emergency rescue purposes.

(11) A telephone system must be provided which is capable of ensuring prompt notification in cases of emergencies and which is capable of meeting the needs of persons supported.

(12) Emergency telephone numbers must be posted for the most local available agencies for fire protection, police or sheriff, ambulance or medical intervention, and poison control.

(13) An adequate first aid kit must be provided as recommended by the local chapter of the American Red Cross or the licensee's medical staff, as applicable.

(14) Drinking water must be provided from a source approved by the Tennessee Department of Health.

(15) A system for the disposal of sewage must be provided which is connected to a public sewage system or which is connected to a private sewage system (septic tank and field system), which has the approval of the local public health agency having jurisdiction.

(16) Natural or artificial lighting must be provided, which is adequate for the needs of persons supported.