Texas Administrative Code
Title 25 - HEALTH SERVICES
Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Chapter 117 - END STAGE RENAL DISEASE FACILITIES
Subchapter G - FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Section 117.92 - General Safety

(a) An ESRD facility shall provide a physical environment that protects the health, safety, and welfare of patients, personnel, and the public. The physical premises and the physical environment of the facility and those areas of the facility's surrounding physical structure that are used by the patients (including all stairwells, corridors, and passageways) shall meet the local building and fire safety codes as they relate to safe access and patient privacy.

(b) An emergency communication system, such as radio-frequency communication devices, battery operated emergency phone, or facility cellular telephones, shall be provided in each facility. The system shall be self-sufficient and capable of operating without reliance on the building's service or emergency power supply. Such system shall have the capability of communicating with the available community or state emergency networks, including police and fire departments.

(c) No portable or ceiling fans shall be utilized in patient treatment areas, or in the reprocessing room.

(d) Electrical extension cords and cables shall not be used for permanent wiring. When temporary electrical cords or cables are used, they shall be secured and protected to prevent tripping.

(e) A nurses emergency calling system shall be installed in the patient waiting areas, all individual treatment rooms, exam rooms, isolation hepatitis B rooms, and toilet rooms used by patients to summon nursing staff in an emergency. Activation of the system shall sound a repeating (every 5 seconds or less) distinct audible signal at the nurse station, indicate type and location of call on the system monitor, and activate a distinct visible signal in all areas. The visible and audible signals shall be cancelable only at the patient calling station. A nurses emergency call system shall be accessible to a collapsed patient lying on the floor. Inclusion of a pull cord extending to within 6 inches of the floor will satisfy this requirement.

(f) Doors to an isolation or home dialysis training room shall not be lockable from inside the room.

(g) When construction takes place during dialysis treatments, adequate provision shall be made for the safety and comfort of patients. Temporary sound barriers shall be provided where intense prolonged construction noises will disturb patients or staff in the occupied portions of the building during patient treatment times.

(h) When construction is done after hours or on weekends, the facility shall assure that all areas of construction are cleaned thoroughly and a clean safe environment is provided before patients are treated.