Texas Administrative Code, Subchapter G, Section 510.123 - Spatial Requirements for New Construction | Texas Administrative Code

(a) Administration and public suite. The following rooms or areas shall be provided.

(1) Primary entrance. An entrance at grade level shall be accessible and protected from inclement weather with a drive-under canopy for loading and unloading passengers.

(2) Lobby. A main lobby shall be located at the primary entrance and shall include a reception and information counter or desk, waiting space(s), public toilet facilities, public telephones, drinking fountain(s), and storage room or alcove for wheelchairs.

(3) Admissions area. An admissions area shall include a waiting area, work counters or desk, private interview spaces, and storage room or alcove for wheelchairs. The waiting area and wheelchair storage may be shared with similar areas located in the main lobby.

(4) General or individual office(s). Office space shall be provided for business transactions, medical and financial records, and administrative and professional staffs.

(5) Multipurpose room(s). Room(s) shall be provided for conferences, meetings, and health education purposes including provisions for showing visual aids.

(6) Storage. Storage for office equipment and supplies shall be provided. The construction protection for the storage room or area shall be in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association 101, Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures, 1997 edition (NFPA 101), § 18-3.1. All documents published by the NFPA as referenced in this section may be obtained by writing or calling the NFPA at the following address and telephone number: Post Office Box 9101, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02269-9101, (800) 344-3555.

(b) Cart cleaning and sanitizing unit. A cart cleaning and sanitizing unit is optional for crisis stabilization units.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) Cart cleaning, sanitizing and storage shall be provided for carts serving dietary services and linen services.

(B) Cart facilities may be provided for each service or be centrally located.

(C) Hand washing fixtures shall be provided in cart cleaning, sanitizing and storage areas.

(2) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40 (relating to New Construction Requirements) and this paragraph.

(A) Flooring in the cart cleaning and sanitizing unit shall be of the seamless type, or ceramic or quarry tile as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(iii)(III) or (IV) of Title 40.

(B) Ceilings in the cart cleaning and sanitizing unit shall be the monolithic type as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(vi)(III) of Title 40.

(3) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Hand washing fixtures shall be provided with hot and cold water. Hot and cold water fixtures shall be provided in cart cleaning and sanitizing locations.

(B) Where floor drains or floor sinks are installed, they shall be of a type that can be easily cleaned by removal of the cover. Removable stainless steel mesh shall be provided in addition to a grilled drain cover to prevent entry of large particles of waste which might cause stoppages. Floor drains and floor sinks shall be located to avoid conditions where removal of covers for cleaning is difficult.

(c) Central sterile supply suite. A central sterile supply suite is optional for crisis stabilization units.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) Supply storage. A storage room for clean and sterile supplies shall be provided. The storage room shall have adequate areas and counters for breakdown of prepackaged supplies.

(B) Equipment storage. An equipment storage room shall be provided.

(2) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40 and this paragraph. Ceilings in supply storage room shall be monolithic type in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2)(vi)(III) of Title 40.

(3) Mechanical Requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) The sterile supply room shall include provisions for ventilation, humidity, and temperature control.

(B) Filtration requirements for air handling units serving the central sterile supply suite shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than specified in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40 (relating to Tables).

(C) Duct linings exposed to air movement shall not be used in ducts serving the central sterile supply suite unless terminal filters of at least 90% efficiency are installed downstream of linings. This requirement shall not apply to mixing boxes and acoustical traps that have special coverings over such lining.

(d) Dietary suite.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) General. Construction, equipment, and installation shall comply with the standards specified in Chapter 228 of Title 40 (relating to Retail Food).

(B) Food service facilities. Food services shall be provided by an on-site food preparation system or an off-site food service system or a combination of the two. The following minimum functional elements shall be provided on-site regardless of the type of dietary services.

(i) Dining area. Provide dining space(s) for ambulatory patients, staff, and visitors with a minimum floor space of 15 square feet per person to be seated. The footage requirement does not include serving areas. The dining area and service areas shall be separate from the food preparation and distribution areas.

(ii) Receiving area. This receiving area shall have direct access to the outside for incoming dietary supplies or off-site food preparation service and shall be separate from the general receiving area. The receiving area shall contain a control station and an area for breakout for loading, unloading, uncrating, and weighing supplies. The entrance area to the receiving area shall be covered from the weather.

(iii) Storage spaces. Storage spaces shall be convenient to receiving area and food preparation area and shall be located to exclude traffic through the food preparation area. Regardless of the type of food services provided, the facility shall provide storage of food for emergency use for a minimum of four calendar days.

(I) Storage space(s). Storage space(s) shall be provided for bulk, refrigerated, and frozen foods.

(II) Cleaning supply storage. This room or closet shall be used to store non-food items that might contaminate edibles. This storage area may be combined with the housekeeping room.

(iv) Food preparation area. Counter space shall be provided for food prep work, equipment, and an area to assemble trays for distribution for patient meals.

(v) Ice making equipment. Ice making equipment shall be provided for both drinks and food products (self-dispensing equipment) and for general use (storage-bin type equipment).

(vi) Hand washing. Hand washing fixtures with hands-free operable controls shall be conveniently located at all food preparation areas and serving areas.

(vii) Food service carts. When a cart distribution system is provided, space shall be provided for storage, loading, distribution, receiving, and sanitizing of the food service carts. The cart traffic shall be designed to eliminate any danger of cross-circulation between outgoing food carts and incoming soiled carts, and the cleaning and sanitizing process. Cart circulation shall not be through food processing areas.

(viii) Ware washing room. A ware washing room equipped with commercial type dishwasher equipment shall be located separate from the food preparation and serving areas. Space shall be provided for receiving, scraping, sorting, and stacking soiled tableware and for transferring clean tableware to the using areas. Hand washing facilities with hands-free operable controls shall be located within the soiled dish wash area. A physical separation to prevent cross traffic between the dirty side and clean side of the dish wash areas shall be provided.

(ix) Pot washing facilities. A three compartmented sink of adequate size for intended use shall be provided convenient to the food preparation area. Supplemental heat for hot water to clean pots and pans shall be by booster heater or by steam jet.

(x) Waste storage room. A food waste storage room shall be conveniently located to the food preparation and ware washing areas but not within the food preparation area. It shall have direct access to the facility's waste collection and disposal facilities. A waste storage room is optional for CSUs.

(xi) Sanitizing facilities. Storage areas and sanitizing facilities for garbage or refuse cans, carts, and mobile tray conveyors shall be provided. All containers for trash storage shall have tight-fitting lids.

(xii) Housekeeping room. A housekeeping room shall be provided for the exclusive use of the dietary department. Where hot water or steam is used for general cleaning, additional space within the room shall be provided for the storage of hoses and nozzles.

(xiii) Office spaces. An office shall be provided for the use of the food service manager or the dietary service manager. In smaller facilities, a designated alcove may be located in an area that is part of the food preparation area.

(xiv) Toilets and locker spaces. A toilet room(s) shall be provided for the exclusive use of the dietary staff. Toilets shall not open directly into the food preparation areas, but must be in close proximity to them. For larger facilities, a locker room or space for lockers shall be provided for staff belongings.

(C) Additional service areas, rooms and facilities. When an on-site food preparation system is used, in addition to the items required in subparagraph (B), the following service areas, rooms and facilities shall be provided.

(i) Food preparation facilities. When food preparation systems are provided, there shall be space and equipment for preparing, cooking, and baking.

(ii) Tray assembly line. A patient tray assembly and distribution area shall be located within close proximity to the food preparation and distribution areas.

(iii) Food storage. The food storage room shall be adequate in size to accommodate food for a seven calendar day menu cycle.

(iv) Additional storage area(s). Additional area(s) shall be provided for the storage of cooking wares, extra trays, flatware, plastic and paper products, and portable equipment.

(v) Drying storage area. Provisions shall be made for drying and storage of pots and pans from the pot washing room.

(D) Equipment. Equipment for use in the dietary suite shall meet the following requirements.

(i) Mechanical devices shall be heavy duty, suitable for the use intended, and easily cleaned. Where equipment is movable, provide heavy duty locking casters. Equipment with fixed utility connections shall not be equipped with casters.

(ii) Floor, wall, and top panels of walk-in coolers, refrigerators, and freezers shall be insulated. Coolers and refrigerators shall be capable of maintaining a temperature down to freezing. Freezers shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of 20 degrees below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Coolers, refrigerators, and freezers shall be thermostatically controlled to maintain desired temperature settings in increments of two degrees or less. Interior temperatures shall be indicated digitally and visible from the exterior. Controls shall include audible and visible high and low temperature alarm. The time of alarm shall be automatically recorded.

(iii) Walk-in units may be lockable from the outside but must have a release mechanism for exit from inside at all times. The interior shall be lighted. All shelving shall be corrosion resistant, easily cleaned, and constructed and anchored to support a loading of at least 100 pounds per linear foot.

(iv) All cooking equipment shall be equipped with automatic shut-off devices to prevent excessive heat buildup.

(E) Vending services. When vending machines are provided, a dedicated room or an alcove shall be located so that access is available at all times.

(2) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Details.

(i) Food storage shelves shall not be less than six inches above the finished floor and the space below the bottom shelf shall be closed in and sealed tight for ease of cleaning.

(ii) Operable windows and doors not equipped with automatic closing devices shall be equipped with insect screens.

(iii) Food processing areas in the central dietary kitchen shall have ceiling heights not less than nine feet. Ceiling mounted equipment shall be supported from rigid structures located above the finished ceiling.

(iv) Mirrors shall not be installed at hand washing fixtures in the food preparation areas.

(B) Finishes.

(i) Floors in areas used for food preparation, food assembly, soiled and clean ware cleaning shall be water-resistant and grease-proof. Floor surfaces, including tile joints, shall be resistant to food acids.

(ii) Wall bases in food preparation, food assembly, soiled and clean ware cleaning and other areas which are frequently subject to wet cleaning methods shall be made integral and coved with the floor, tightly sealed to the wall, constructed without voids that can harbor insects, retain dirt particles, and be impervious to water.

(iii) In the dietary and food preparation areas, the wall construction, finishes, and trim, including the joints between the walls and the floors, shall be free of voids, cracks, and crevices.

(iv) The ceiling in food preparation and food assembly areas shall be washable as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(vi)(II).

(v) The ceiling in the food storage room, and soiled and clean ware cleaning area shall be of the monolithic type as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(vi)(II).

(3) Mechanical Requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Exhaust hoods handling grease-laden vapors in food preparation centers shall comply with National Fire Protection Association 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 1998 edition. All hoods over cooking ranges shall be equipped with grease filters, fire extinguishing systems, and heat-actuated fan controls. Clean out openings shall be provided every 20 feet and at any changes in direction in the horizontal exhaust duct systems serving these hoods. (Horizontal runs of ducts serving range hoods should be kept to a minimum.)

(B) When air change standards in Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40 do not provide sufficient air for proper operation of exhaust hoods (when in use), supplementary filtered makeup air shall be provided in these rooms to maintain the required airflow direction and exhaust velocity. Makeup systems for hoods shall be arranged to minimize "short circuiting" of air and to avoid reduction in air velocity at the point of contaminant capture.

(C) Air handling units serving the dietary suite shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than specified in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40.

(4) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) The kitchen grease traps shall be located and arranged to permit easy access without the need to enter food preparation or storage areas. Grease traps shall be of capacity required and shall be accessible from outside of the building without need to interrupt any services.

(B) Grease traps or grease interceptors shall be located outside the food preparation area and shall comply with the requirements in the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC), National Standard Plumbing Code, 2000 edition. This publication may be obtained from the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, 180 South Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046; telephone (703) 237-8100.

(C) The material used for plumbing fixtures shall be non-absorptive and acid-resistant.

(D) Water spouts used at lavatories and sinks shall have clearances adequate to avoid contaminating utensils and containers.

(E) Hand washing fixtures used by food handlers shall be trimmed with valves that can be operated without hands. Single lever or wrist blade devices may be used. Blade handles used for this purpose shall not be less than four inches in length.

(F) Drainage and waste piping shall not be installed in the space above the ceiling or installed in an exposed location in food preparation centers, food serving facilities and food storage areas unless special precautions are taken to protect the space below from leakage and condensation from necessary overhead piping.

(G) No plumbing lines may be exposed overhead or on walls where possible leaks would create a potential for food contamination.

(5) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Exhaust hoods shall have an indicator light indicating that the exhaust fan is in operation.

(B) The electrical circuit(s) to equipment in wet areas shall be provided with five milliampere GFCI.

(e) Emergency treatment room.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) Emergency treatment room. As a minimum requirement, a facility shall provide at least one emergency treatment room to handle emergencies. The emergency treatment room may be located anywhere in the facility and shall meet the following requirements.

(i) The emergency treatment room shall have a minimum clear area of 120 square feet clear floor area exclusive of fixed and movable cabinets and shelves. The minimum clear room dimension exclusive of fixed cabinets and built-in shelves shall be 10 feet. The emergency treatment room shall contain cabinets, medication storage, work counter, examination light, and hand washing fixtures with hands-free operable controls. Exception: Crisis stabilization units are not required to have medication storage in the emergency treatment room.

(ii) Storage space shall be provided within the room or on an emergency cart and be under staff control for general medical emergency supplies and medications. Adequate space shall be provided for emergency equipment.

(B) Secured holding room. When provided, this room shall be constructed to allow for security, patient and staff safety, patient observation, and sound proofing.

(C) Service areas. The following service areas shall be provided.

(i) Soiled workroom. The workroom shall contain a work counter, a clinical sink or equivalent flushing type fixture, hand washing fixture with hands-free operable controls, waste receptacles, and soiled linen receptacles. The soiled workroom in the nursing suite may be shared with the emergency treatment room if it is located conveniently nearby.

(ii) Housekeeping room. The housekeeping room shall be located nearby.

(iii) Patient toilet(s). A toilet room shall be provided and located nearby.

(2) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Flooring used in the treatment room, secure holding area, and soiled workroom shall be of the seamless type as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(iii)(III) of Title 40.

(B) Ceilings in soiled workrooms and secure holding rooms shall be of the monolithic type as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(vi)(III) of Title 40.

(3) Mechanical requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph. Duct linings exposed to air movement shall not be used in ducts serving any treatment rooms and secure holding rooms. This requirement shall not apply to mixing boxes and acoustical traps that have special coverings over such lining.

(4) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40. When provided, medical gas systems shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4)(A)(iii) of Title 40.

(5) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) General.

(i) Each treatment room shall have a minimum of six duplex electrical receptacles. Two duplex electrical receptacles shall be located convenient to the head of the bed.

(ii) Each work counter and table shall have access to two duplex receptacles connected to the critical branch of the emergency electrical system and be labeled with panel and circuit number.

(B) Nurses calling systems. A nurses regular calling system shall be provided for the treatment room in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5)(K)(i) of Title 40.

(f) Employees suite. Lockers, lounges, toilets and other amenities as determined by the facility shall be provided throughout the facility for employees and volunteers. These amenities are in addition to, and separate from, those required for the medical staff and the public.

(g) Engineering suite and equipment areas.

(1) General. The following areas or rooms shall be provided:

(A) an engineer's office with file space and provisions for protected storage of facility drawings, records, manuals, etc.;

(B) a general maintenance shop(s) for repair and maintenance;

(C) a separate room(s) for building maintenance supplies and equipment. Storage of bulk solvents and flammable liquids shall be in a separate building and not within the facility building;

(D) a medical equipment room which includes provisions for the storage, repair, and testing of electronic and other medical equipment;

(E) a separate room or building for yard maintenance equipment and supplies. When a separate room is within the physical plant the room shall be located so that equipment may be moved directly to the exterior. Yard equipment or vehicles using flammable liquid fuels shall not be stored or housed within the facility building; and

(F) sufficient space in all mechanical and electrical equipment rooms for proper maintenance of equipment. Provisions shall also be made for removal and replacement of equipment.

(2) Additional areas or room(s). Additional areas or room(s) for mechanical, and electrical equipment shall be provided within the physical plant or installed in separate buildings or weatherproof enclosures with the following exceptions.

(A) An area shall be provided for cooling towers and heat rejection equipment when such equipment is used.

(B) An area for the medical gas park and equipment shall be provided. For smaller medical gas systems, the equipment may be housed in a room within the physical plant in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities, 1999 edition (NFPA 99), Chapters 4 and 8.

(C) When provided, compactors, dumpsters, and incinerators shall be located in an area remote from public entrances.

(h) General stores.

(1) General. In addition to storage rooms in individual departments, a central storage room shall also be provided. General stores may be located in a separate building on-site with provisions for protection against inclement weather during transfer of supplies.

(2) Receiving. Central storage areas shall be provided with an off-street unloading and receiving area protected from inclement weather.

(3) General storage room. General storage room with a total area of not less than 12 square feet per inpatient bed shall be provided. The storage room may be within the facility, or separate building on-site. A portion of the storage may be provided off-site.

(4) Outpatient suite storage room. A storage room for the outpatient services shall be provided at least equal to 5.0% of the total area of the outpatient suite. This required storage room area may be combined with general stores.

(i) Geriatric, Alzheimer, and other dementia nursing suites. When geriatric, Alzheimer, or other dementia nursing suites are provided, the nursing suite shall comply with the requirements in subsection (o) of this section with the following exceptions.

(1) A patient bedroom suite shall be 120 square feet in a single patient bedroom suite and 200 square feet in multiple-bed room suites.

(2) Each patient bedroom shall have storage for extra blankets, pillows, and linen.

(3) Patient bedroom doors shall be a minimum of three feet eight inches in width.

(4) Patients shall have access to at least one bathtub in each nursing suite.

(5) A minimum of two separate social spaces, one appropriate for noisy activities and the other for quiet activities, shall be provided. The combined total area shall be not less than 30 square feet per bed space with not less than 140 square feet for each of the two spaces, whichever is greater. This space may be shared with the dining area or room.

(6) Storage space for wheelchairs shall be provided in the nursing unit.

(j) Imaging suite.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) General. When diagnostic imaging services are provided, the minimum the facility shall provide is a diagnostic radiographic (X-ray) room.

(i) Diagnostic radiographic (x-ray) room size(s) shall be in compliance with manufacturer's recommendation. When portable x-ray equipment is used, the portable unit shall be stored in a secured room.

(ii) When radiation protection is required for any diagnostic imaging room, a medical physicist licensed under the Texas Medical Physics Practice Act, Occupations Code, Chapter 602, shall specify the type, location, and amount of radiation protection to be installed for the layout and equipment selections.

(iii) Each X-ray room shall include a shielded control alcove. The control alcove shall be provided with a view window designed to permit full view of the examination table and the patient at all times.

(iv) Warning signs capable of indicating that the equipment is in use shall be provided.

(B) Service areas. The following service areas shall be provided.

(i) Patient waiting area. The area shall be out of traffic and under direct staff visual control.

(ii) Patient toilet rooms. Toilet room(s) with hand washing amenities shall be located convenient to the waiting area.

(iii) Patient dressing rooms. Dressing rooms shall be convenient to the waiting areas and X-ray rooms.

(iv) Hand washing facilities. A freestanding hand washing fixture with hands-free controls shall be provided in or near the entrance to each diagnostic and procedure room unless noted otherwise. Hand washing facilities shall be arranged to minimize any incidental splatter on nearby personnel or equipment.

(v) Contrast media preparation. This room shall include a work counter, a sink with hands-free operable controls, and storage. One preparation room may serve any number of rooms. When prepared media is used, this area may be omitted, but storage shall be provided for the media.

(vi) Film processing room. A darkroom shall be provided for processing film unless the processing equipment normally used does not require a darkroom for loading and transfer. When daylight processing is used, the darkroom may be minimal for emergency and special uses. Film processing shall be located convenient to the procedure rooms and to the quality control area.

(vii) Quality control area or room. An area or room for film viewing shall be located near the film processor. All view boxes shall be illuminated to provide light of the same color value and intensity.

(viii) Film storage (active). A room shall include a cabinet or shelves for filing patient film for immediate retrieval.

(ix) Film storage (inactive). A room for inactive film storage shall be provided. It may be outside the imaging suite, but must be under the administrative control of imaging suite personnel and be properly secured to protect films against loss or damage.

(x) Storage for unexposed film. Storage amenities for unexposed film shall include protection of film against exposure or damage.

(xi) Storage of cellulose nitrate film. When used, cellulose nitrate film shall be stored in accordance with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film, 1994 edition.

(xii) Housekeeping room. The room may serve multiple departments when conveniently located.

(2) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Details.

(i) Radiation protection shall be designed, tested and approved by a medical physicist licensed under the Texas Medical Physics Practice Act, Occupations Code, Chapter 602.

(ii) The design and environmental controls associated with licensable quantities of radioactive material in laboratories and/or imaging rooms shall be approved by the Texas Department of Health's Bureau of Radiation Control prior to licensed authorizations.

(iii) Where protected alcoves with view windows are required, provide a minimum of 1 foot 6 inches between the view window edge/frame and the outside partition edge.

(iv) Imaging procedure rooms shall have ceiling heights not less than nine feet. Ceilings containing ceiling-mounted equipment shall be of sufficient height to accommodate the equipment of fixtures and their normal movement.

(B) Finishes.

(i) Flooring used in contrast media preparation and soiled workroom shall be of the seamless type as required by § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(iii)(III).

(ii) A lay-in type ceiling is acceptable for the diagnostic room.

(3) Mechanical Requirements.

(A) Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(B) Air handling units serving the imaging suite shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than specified in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40.

(4) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40 and this paragraph. When automatic film processors are used, a receptacle of adequate size with hot and cold water for cleaning the processor racks shall be provided.

(5) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) General.

(i) Each imaging procedure room shall have at least four duplex electrical receptacles.

(ii) A special grounding system in areas such as imaging procedures rooms where a patient may be treated with an internal probe or catheter shall comply with Chapter 9 of NFPA 99, and Article 517 of NFPA 70.

(iii) General lighting with at least one light fixture powered from a normal circuit shall be provided in imaging procedures rooms in addition to special lighting units at the procedure or diagnostic tables.

(B) Nurses calling system.

(i) Nurses regular calling system. The nurses regular calling system shall be provided for patient dressing room(s) in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5)(K)(i) of Title 40.

(ii) Nurses emergency calling system. In toilet room(s) used by inpatients and outpatients, a nurses emergency call station shall be provided in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5)(K)(ii) of Title 40.

(iii) Staff emergency assistance calling system. A staff emergency assistance calling system (code blue) shall be provided for staff to summon additional assistance for each imaging procedure room in accordance with section § 510.122(d)(5)(K)(iii) of Title 40.

(k) Laboratory suite.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) General. The required laboratory testing shall be performed on-site or provided through a contractual arrangement with a laboratory service.

(i) Provisions for laboratory services shall be provided within the facility for urinalysis, blood glucose and electrolytes.

(ii) Each laboratory unit shall meet the requirements of Chapter 10 of NFPA 99 (relating to Laboratories), and Chapter 18 of NFPA 101 (relating to New Health Care Occupancies).

(B) Minimum laboratory. When laboratory services are provided off-site by contract, the following minimum areas or rooms shall be provided within the facility.

(i) Laboratory work room. The laboratory workroom shall include a counter and a sink with hands-free operable controls.

(ii) General storage. Cabinets or closets shall be provided for supplies and equipment used in obtaining samples for testing. A refrigerator or other similar equipment shall be provided for specimen storage waiting for transfer to off-site testing.

(iii) Specimen collection room. A blood collection room shall be provided with a counter, space for seating, and hand washing fixture with hands-free operable controls. A toilet and lavatory with hands-free operable controls shall be provided for specimen collection. This room may be outside the laboratory suite if conveniently located.

(C) On-site laboratory. When the facility provides on-site laboratory services, the following areas or rooms shall be provided in addition to the requirements in paragraph (1)(A) and (B) of this subsection.

(i) Laboratory workroom(s). The laboratory work room shall include counter(s), space appropriately designed for laboratory equipment, sink(s) with hands-free operable controls, vacuum, gases, air, and electrical services as needed.

(ii) General storage. Storage, including refrigeration for reagents, standards, supplies, and stained specimen microscope slides, etc. shall be provided. Separate spaces shall be provided for such incompatible materials as acids and bases, and vented storage shall be provided for volatile solvents.

(iii) Chemical safety. When chemical safety is a requirement, provisions shall be made for an emergency shower and eye flushing devices.

(iv) Flammable liquids. When flammable or combustible liquids are used, the liquids shall be stored in approved containers, in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 1996 edition.

(v) Radioactive materials. When radioactive materials are employed, storage amenities shall be provided.

(D) Service areas or rooms. The following service areas or rooms shall be provided.

(i) Hand washing amenities. Each laboratory room or work area shall be provided with a hand washing fixture(s) with hands-free operable controls.

(ii) Office spaces. The scope of laboratory services shall determine the size and quantity for administrative areas including offices as well as space for clerical work, filing, and record maintenance. At a minimum, an office space shall be provided for the use of the laboratory service director.

(iii) Staff facilities. Lounge, locker, and toilet amenities shall be conveniently located for male and female laboratory staff. These may be outside the laboratory area and shared with other departments.

(iv) Housekeeping room. A housekeeping room shall be located nearby.

(2) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40. Floors in laboratories shall comply with the requirements of § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(iii) of Title 40 except that carpet flooring shall not be used.

(3) Mechanical requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) No air from the laboratory areas shall be recirculated to other parts of the facility. Recirculation of air within the laboratory suite is allowed.

(B) When laboratory hoods are provided, they shall meet the following general requirements.

(i) The average face velocity of each exhaust hood shall be at least 75 feet per minute.

(ii) The exhaust shall be connected to an exhaust system to the outside which is separate from the building exhaust system.

(iii) The exhaust fan shall be located at the discharge end of the system.

(iv) The exhaust duct system shall be of noncombustible and corrosion resistant material.

(C) Filtration requirements for air handling units serving the laboratory suite shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than specified in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40.

(D) Duct linings exposed to air movement shall not be used in ducts serving any laboratory room and clean room unless terminal filters of at least 80% efficiency are installed downstream of linings. This requirement shall not apply to mixing boxes and acoustical traps that have special coverings over such lining.

(4) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) General.

(i) Faucet spouts at lavatories and sinks shall have clearances adequate to avoid contaminating utensils and the contents of beakers, test tubes, etc.

(ii) Drain lines from sinks used for acid waste disposal shall be made of acid-resistant material.

(iii) Drain lines serving some types of automatic blood-cell counters must be of carefully selected material that will eliminate potential for undesirable chemical reactions (and/or explosions) between sodium azide wastes and copper, lead, brass, and solder, etc.

(B) Medical gas systems. When provided, medical gas systems shall comply with § 510.122(d)(4)(A)(iii) of Title 40. The number of outlets in the laboratory for vacuum, gases, and air shall be determined by the functional program requirements.

(l) Laundry suite. Laundry amenities may be provided on-site or off-site. On-site laundry services may be within the facility or in a separate building.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) General. The following amenities are required for both on-site or off-site commercial laundry services.

(i) The laundry room shall be equipped and ventilated so as to minimize the dissemination of contaminants.

(ii) Soiled and clean linen processing areas shall be physically separated.

(iii) An adequate amount of hand washing fixtures shall be provided in both the soiled and clean processing areas.

(B) On-site laundry processing. When linen is processed within the facility or in a separate building located on-site, the following minimum requirements shall be provided.

(i) A receiving, holding, and sorting room for control and distribution of soiled linen shall be provided. This area may be combined with the soiled linens processing room. Discharge from soiled linen chutes may be received within this room or in a separate dedicated room.

(ii) A laundry processing room shall be provided which shall contain commercial type equipment capable of processing at least a seven-day laundry supply within the regular scheduled work week.

(iii) A clean linen processing room shall be provided and shall include built-in dryers and folding counters or tables. This area shall have provisions for inspections, folding, packing and mending of linen.

(iv) A holding room or area for storage and issuing of clean linen shall be provided but may be combined with clean linen processing room.

(C) Off-site laundry processing. When linen is processed off the facility site, the following minimum requirements shall be provided on-site:

(i) a service entrance which shall have protection from inclement weather, for loading and unloading of linen;

(ii) control station for pickup and receiving;

(iii) soiled linen holding room;

(iv) a central clean linen storage room and issuing room in addition to linen storage required at the individual patient suites. This central holding area shall include provisions for inspecting, sorting, and mending; and

(v) cart storage areas. The areas shall be located out of pedestrian traffic and shall be provided separately for clean and soiled linen.

(D) Service areas for on-site laundry processing. The laundry shall be separated from patient rooms, areas of food preparation and storage, and areas in which clean supplies and equipment are stored. An on-site laundry shall have the following services areas and facilities:

(i) office space for director of laundry services;

(ii) equipment layout for soiled and clean linen. The laundry equipment processing shall be arranged to permit an orderly work flow and minimize cross-traffic that might mix clean and soiled operations;

(iii) storage. Storage space and cabinets for soaps, stain removers, and other laundry processing agents shall be located in the soiled and clean processing rooms;

(iv) cart sanitizing shall comply with subsection (b) of this section;

(v) staff toilets. Toilets may be outside the unit but shall be convenient for staff use and shall contain hand washing fixtures with hands-free operable controls;

(vi) staff lockers. Lockers may be in laundry suite or part of a central locker area when convenient to the laundry; and

(vii) housekeeping room.

(2) Mechanical Requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) The ventilation system shall include adequate intake, filtration, exchange rate, and exhaust in accordance with Table 3 and Table 4 of § 510.131(c) and (d) of Title 40.

(B) Filtration requirements for air handling units serving the laundry suite shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than specified in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40.

(C) Direction of air flow of the HVAC systems shall be from clean to soiled areas.

(D) The ventilation system for soiled processing area shall have negative air pressure while the clean processing area shall have positive pressure.

(m) Medical records suite. The following rooms, areas, or offices shall be provided in the medical records suite:

(1) medical records administrator or technician office;

(2) review and dictating rooms or spaces;

(3) work area which includes provisions for sorting, recording, or microfilming records; and

(4) file storage room. Rooms containing open file systems or moveable filing storage systems shall be considered as hazardous. The construction protection for the storage room or area shall comply with NFPA 101, § 18-3.2.

(n) Nursing suite. The nursing suite shall be designed to facilitate care of ambulatory and nonambulatory inpatients.

(1) Physical environment. A nursing suite shall provide a safe environment for patients and staff.

(A) The environment of the unit shall be characterized by a feeling of openness with emphasis on natural light and exterior views and with the organization of various functions accessible to common spaces while not jeopardizing desirable levels of patient privacy.

(B) Interior finishes, lighting, and furnishings shall present an atmosphere which is as noninstitutional as possible, consistent with applicable fire safety requirements. Security and safety devices should not be present in a manner to attract or challenge tampering by patients.

(2) Architectural requirements. Architectural requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(1) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Handicapped accessibility requirements. At least 10% of patient room suites, bathing units and toilets, and all public and common use areas shall be designed and constructed to be handicapped accessible. These requirements shall apply in all new construction and when an existing nursing suite or a portion thereof is converted from one service to another.

(B) Patient room suites. A patient room suite shall consist of the patient room and a toilet room or bathroom. Patient room suites shall comply with the following requirements.

(i) Maximum patient room capacity. The maximum patient room capacity shall be two patients. In existing facilities where renovation work is undertaken and the present capacity is more than two patients, the maximum room capacity shall be no more than the present capacity with a maximum of four patients.

(ii) Single-bed patient room. In a single-bed patient room, the minimum clear floor area shall be 100 square feet. The minimum clear floor area in an accessible private patient room shall be 120 square feet. The minimum room dimension shall be not less than 10 feet.

(iii) Multi-bed patient room. In a multi-bed patient room, the minimum clear floor area shall be 80 square feet per bed. Minimum clear floor space in an accessible multi-bed room shall be 110 square feet per bed. Design of multi-bed patient rooms shall not restrict independent patient access to the corridor, lavatory, or bathroom.

(iv) Arrangement of patient rooms. Minor encroachments including columns and wall hung lavatories that do not interfere with functions may be ignored when determining space requirements for patient rooms.

(I) Required clear floor space in patient rooms shall be exclusive of toilet rooms, closets, lockers, built-in cabinets, wardrobes, alcoves, or vestibules.

(II) A clearance of 3 feet 8 inches shall be available at the foot of each bed in multi-bed patient rooms to permit the passage of equipment and beds. A minimum distance of three feet between a wall and the side of a bed and four feet between beds shall be provided. A minimum distance of five feet between a wall and the side of a bed and four feet between beds shall be provided in an accessible semi-private room or one intended for rehabilitation patients. Arrangement of beds shall be such that sufficient space is provided for a bed and maneuvering space for a wheelchair.

(III) Sleeping areas shall have doors for privacy. Design for visual privacy in multi-bed rooms shall not restrict patient access to the room, toilet, or observation by staff.

(v) Patient bathroom. Each patient shall have access to a bathroom without having to enter the general corridor area. Each bathroom shall contain a toilet, hand washing fixtures, and storage shelf or cabinet and serve not more than four patient beds or two patient rooms. Hand washing fixtures may be located in the patient room.

(vi) Bathing rooms. One bathtub or shower shall be provided for each four patient beds or space which is not otherwise served by bathing rooms within patients' rooms. Each tub or shower shall be in an individual room or enclosure which provides space for the private use of the bathing fixture and for drying and dressing.

(vii) Patient storage. Each patient shall have a separate wardrobe, locker, or closet that is suitable for hanging full-length garments and for storing personal effects. A minimum of 12 lineal inches of hanging space shall be provided per patient.

(C) Security rooms. When security rooms are provided by the treatment program narrative, the security rooms shall be single patient suite rooms designed to minimize potential for escape, hiding, injury to self or others, or suicide. Access to toilets, showers, and wardrobes shall be restricted. The patient room suite shall be in accordance with subparagraph (B)(ii) of this paragraph. Security rooms may be centralized on one unit or decentralized among units.

(D) Seclusion suite. There shall be a seclusion suite in each nursing suite intended for short-term occupancy by a single person requiring security and protection from self or others. The seclusion suite shall consist of seclusion room(s), an anteroom or a vestibule, a toilet, and hand washing fixtures.

(i) Each seclusion room shall be located and designed in a manner affording direct visual supervision by nursing staff and shall be constructed to prevent patient hiding, escape, injury, or suicide. There shall be a minimum of one seclusion room for each 24 beds or any portion thereof.

(I) The floor area of each seclusion room shall be not less than 60 square feet. The minimum room dimension shall be six feet.

(II) The seclusion room shall have a minimum ceiling height of nine feet.

(III) The door to each seclusion room shall have no hardware on the room side and shall open out. A vision panel shall be provided in each door to permit staff observation of the entire room while maintaining privacy from the public and other patients. The seclusion room door shall swing out.

(IV) Each seclusion room shall have natural light (skylight or window) in order to maintain a therapeutic environment. Skylight wells or windows shall be not less than 400 square inches in area.

(ii) Access to the seclusion room from any public space such as a corridor shall be through an anteroom. When the seclusion suite is directly accessible from the nurse station, a vestibule may be provided in place of an anteroom. A cased opening to the vestibule in lieu of a door may be provided as long as the arrangement assures privacy from the public and other patients.

(I) The minimum dimension of the anteroom or vestibule shall be eight feet.

(II) The door to the anteroom shall swing in.

(iii) There shall be at least one toilet room directly accessible from the anteroom or vestibule.

(I) The toilet room shall be large enough to safely manage the patient.

(II) The toilet room door shall swing out into the anteroom or vestibule.

(III) A water closet and hand washing fixtures shall be provided in the toilet room. An unbreakable wall hung mirror may be provided.

(IV) Doors for the seclusion room and anteroom shall be not less than 3 feet 8 inches in width.

(V) When the interior of the seclusion room is padded, the padding shall be a Class "A." The flame spread rating shall be 0-25 and the smoke development rating shall be 0-450 in accordance with NFPA 101, Chapter 8.

(E) Airborne infection isolation suites. When an isolation suite is provided, the suite may be located within a nursing suite or in a separate isolation unit. Each airborne infection isolation suite shall consist of a work area, a patient room, and a patient bathroom.

(i) The work area may be a separately enclosed anteroom or a vestibule that is open to and is located immediately inside the door to the patient room. It shall have amenities for hand washing, gowning, and storage of clean and soiled materials. One enclosed anteroom may serve multiple isolation rooms.

(ii) Each patient room shall have a clear floor area of 120 square feet exclusive of the work area and shall contain only one bed.

(iii) Each bathroom shall be designed for the use of the handicapped and shall contain bathing fixtures, toilet fixtures and hand washing fixtures. Each bathroom shall be arranged to provide access from the patient room without entering or passing through the work area.

(iv) At least one airborne infection isolation suite with an enclosed anteroom shall be provided.

(v) Ventilation requirements for the isolation rooms shall be in accordance with Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40.

(vi) Doors to airborne infection isolation rooms shall be provided with self-closing devices.

(F) Social spaces. A minimum of two separate social spaces, one appropriate for noisy activities and the other for quiet activities, shall be provided. The combined total area shall be not less than 40 square feet per bed space with not less than 160 square feet for each of the two spaces, whichever is greater. This space may be shared with the dining area or room.

(G) Group therapy room. A room for group therapy shall be included. The room shall not be less than 250 square feet. The group therapy room may be combined with the quiet space required in subparagraph (F) of this paragraph provided that a space of not less than 370 square feet is available for both the quiet activity room and group therapy activities.

(H) Activity service space. Space for activity services (e.g., music therapy, recreational therapy, art, dance, vocational therapy, educational therapy, etc.) shall be provided at the rate of 15 square feet per occupant of the room and a minimum area of not less than 375 square feet, whichever is greater. Space shall include provisions for hand washing, work counter(s), storage and displays. Where facilities contain less than 25 beds, the activity services therapy functions may be provided within the noisy activities area as required in subparagraph (F) of this paragraph if a space of not less than 485 square feet is available for both the noisy activity area and activity services area.

(I) Service areas. Service areas shall be located in, or readily available to, each nursing suite. Each service area may be arranged and located to serve more than one nursing suite, but at least one service area shall be provided on each nursing floor. A service area is composed of the following:

(i) an administrative center or nurses station with an adjacent but separate dictation space;

(ii) a nurses office;

(iii) an area for charting. The charting area shall be provided with separation needed for acoustical privacy as well as space required for the function. A view window to permit observation of the patient area by the charting nurse or physician may be used provided that it is so located that patient files cannot be read from outside the charting space;

(iv) a medication room, medicine alcove area, or a self-contained medicine dispensing unit under visual control of nursing staff. The room shall have a minimum area of 30 square feet under direct control of the nursing or pharmacy staff. The room, area or unit shall contain a work counter, hand washing fixture with hands-free operable controls, and refrigerator. Provisions for security against unauthorized access shall be assured. Standard cup-sinks provided in many self-contained units are not adequate for hand washing;

(v) a small kitchen for patient use. The room shall contain a sink, refrigerator, ice dispenser, microwave, and storage cabinets. This room is to provide nourishment for patients between scheduled meals;

(vi) a multipurpose room for staff and patient conferences, education and demonstrations. The room shall be conveniently accessible to each nursing suite and may serve several nursing suites or departments. The room may be located on another floor if convenient for regular use;

(vii) an examination or treatment room. The room shall have a minimum floor area of 120 square feet excluding space for vestibule, toilet, and closets. The minimum room dimension shall be 10 feet. The room shall contain a lavatory or sink equipped for hand washing, work counter, storage facilities, and a desk, counter, or shelf space for writing. The emergency treatment room may be used for this purpose if it is conveniently located on the same floor as the patient rooms;

(viii) patient laundry facilities. An automatic washer and an electric dryer shall be provided. This requirement may be omitted in nursing units intended only for adolescents and gero-psychiatric patients;

(ix) staff lounge with separate female and male dressing areas containing lockers, showers, toilets and hand washing facilities. These facilities may be on another floor;

(x) securable closets or cabinet compartments for personal articles of nursing unit staff. The closets or lockers shall be located at or near the nurse station. At a minimum, these shall be large enough for purses and billfolds. Coats may be stored in closets or cabinets on each floor or in a central staff locker area;

(xi) secured storage area for patients' effects determined potentially harmful (razors, nail files, cigarette lighters, etc.). This area shall be controlled by staff;

(xii) clean workroom or clean supply room. When used for preparing patient care items, it shall contain a work counter, hand washing facilities, and storage facilities for clean and sterile supplies. When used only for storage and holding as part of a distribution system of clean and sterile supplies, the work counter and hand washing facilities may be omitted;

(xiii) clean linen storage for each nursing unit. The clean linen area shall contain a work counter and storage space for clean linen. The area shall be a part of the storage and distribution of clean linen. Minimum area for clean linen shall be three square feet of room area per patient bed space. The required area may be concentrated in one central room or divided in several rooms throughout the facility;

(xiv) a soiled workroom or soiled holding room. The room shall contain a clinical sink or equivalent flushing rim fixture, hand washing facilities, both with hot and cold water. The room shall have a work counter and space for separate covered containers for soiled linen and waste. Minimum area for soiled linen shall be three square feet of room area per patient bed space;

(xv) an equipment storage room and storage room for administrative supplies located on each floor which may serve multiple nursing suites;

(xvi) an emergency equipment storage room or alcove under direct visual control of the nursing staff and out of normal traffic;

(xvii) a housekeeping room which may also serve adjacent nursing suites;

(xviii) stretcher and wheelchair storage space which is located without restricting normal traffic. The space may be located outside the nursing suite;

(xix) an accessible public toilet with hand washing fixtures. The toilets shall be located on each floor containing a nursing suite;

(xx) staff toilet conveniently located to each nursing suite. At least one staff toilet shall be located on each patient sleeping floor. Toilet may be unisex;

(xxi) an ice dispensing machine for each nursing suite which is located at the nourishment station or the clean work room;

(xxii) adequate number of drinking fountain fixtures;

(xxiii) adequate number of telephones available for patients' private conversations;

(xxiv) a visitor room for patients to meet with friends or family with a minimum floor space of 100 square feet;

(xxv) a quiet room for a patient who needs to be alone for a short period of time but does not require a seclusion room. Each quite room shall be not less than 80 square feet. The visitor room may serve this purpose;

(xxvi) separate consultation room. The room shall have a minimum floor space of 100 square feet, and provided at a room-to-bed ratio of one consultation room for each 12 patient beds. The room(s) shall be designed for acoustical and visual privacy and constructed to achieve a level of voice privacy of 50 STC (which in terms of vocal privacy means that some loud or raised speech is heard only by straining, but is not intelligible); and

(xxvii) a conference and treatment planning room for use for patient care planning. This room may be combined with the charting room or use of the multipurpose room.

(3) Details and finishes. Details and finishes shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(2) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Details.

(i) Egress. Means of egress from each patient suite shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 18-2.

(ii) Patient bathroom and toilet room doors. Door leaves to all patient bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be at least 36 inches wide and shall swing outward or be double acting so that nursing staff may gain access to a patient. Doors lockable from the inside shall have hardware that allows staff to open the door from the outside.

(iii) Vision panels. Vision panels shall be provided in the door between an anteroom and an airborne infection isolation room.

(iv) Windows. Each patient sleeping room shall have an outside window. The windows shall be restricted. Where the operation of windows requires the use of tools or keys, the tools or keys shall be located at each nurses station, on the same floor, and easily accessible to staff. The bottom of the window opening shall not exceed 36 inches above the floor.

(v) Location of patient room windows. Windows shall be located on an outside wall. Windows may face an atrium, an inner court, or an outer court provided the following requirements are met.

(I) Atria windows. Atria onto which the required windows face shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 8-2.5.6.

(II) Outer courts. Outer court (not enclosed by building on one side) onto which the required windows face shall have a minimum width, at all levels, of not less than three inches for each foot, or fraction thereof, of the height (average height of enclosing walls) of such court, but in no case shall the width be less than five feet. An outer court shall have a horizontal cross sectional area not greater than four times the square of its width.

(III) Inner courts. Inner court (enclosed by building on all sides) onto which the required windows open shall have minimum width, at all levels, of not less than one foot for each foot, or fraction thereof, of the height (average height of enclosing walls) of such courts, but in no case shall the width be less than 10 feet. If operable windows are provided, a horizontal, unobstructed, and permanently open air intake or passage having a cross-sectional area of not less than 21 square feet shall be provided at or near the bottom of the court. Metal decorative grilles not effectively reducing the open area by more than 5.0% shall be permitted at the ends. Walls, partitions, floor, and floor-ceiling assemblies forming intakes or passages shall be noncombustible and shall be constructed in accordance with NFPA 101, § 18-3.1(b) and (c). An inner court shall have a horizontal cross sectional area of not less than one and one-half times the square of its width.

(vi) Visibility. All areas of the nursing suite, including entrances to patient rooms, shall be visible from the nurse station(s). Observation by video cameras of seclusion rooms, entrances, hallways, and activity areas shall be acceptable.

(vii) Special fixtures, hardware, and tamper-proof screws. Special fixtures, hardware, and tamper-proof screws shall be used throughout the patient nursing suites.

(I) All exposed and accessible fasteners shall be tamper-resistant.

(II) Suitable hardware shall be provided on doors to toilet rooms so that access to these rooms can be controlled by staff. Hardware shall be utilized which is appropriate to prevent patient injury.

(III) Only break-away or collapsible clothes bars in wardrobes, lockers, towel bars, and closets and shower curtain rods shall be permitted. Wire coat hangers shall not be permitted in nursing suites.

(IV) When grab bars are provided, the space between the grab bar and the wall should be filled to prevent a cord being tied around it for hanging. Bars, including those which are part of such fixtures as soap dishes, shall be sufficiently anchored to sustain a concentrated load of 250 pounds.

(viii) Detention screens.

(I) When operable windows are provided in patient sleeping rooms, it may be necessary to provide detention screens on windows or limit the amount of window operation in order to inhibit possible tendency for suicide or elopement. The type and the degree of security required shall be determined by the facility administration.

(II) When detention screens are provided, windows shall be capable of opening with the screens in place. Where glass fragments may create a hazard, safety glazing or other appropriate security features shall be incorporated.

(III) In building housing for certain types of patients, detention rooms, or a security section, the facility shall provide detention screens to confine or protect building inhabitants, when necessary.

(ix) Hand washing amenities. Hand washing amenities shall be conveniently located near the nurses station and in the medication area. One lavatory in an open medication area can meet this requirement.

(x) Elevator lobbies. Elevator lobbies shall be physically separated from the required means of egress with one hour fire rated construction which resist the passage of smoke on all floors containing patient rooms.

(B) Finishes.

(i) Seamless floors with coved wall bases described in § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(iii)(III) of Title 40 shall be provided in soiled workrooms.

(ii) Wall bases in the soiled workroom shall be made integral and coved with the floor, tightly sealed to the wall, constructed without voids that can harbor insects, retain dirt particles, and impervious to water.

(iii) Monolithic ceilings described in § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(vi)(III) of Title 40 shall be provided in airborne infection isolation rooms, seclusion rooms, and security rooms.

(iv) Ceilings of patient rooms may be acoustically treated; however, they shall be monolithic as described in § 510.122(d)(2)(B)(vi)(III) of Title 40.

(v) Acoustical ceilings shall be provided for corridors in patient areas, nurses' stations, dayrooms, recreation rooms, dining areas, and waiting areas.

(4) Mechanical requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Special consideration shall be given to the type of heating and cooling units, ventilations outlets, and appurtenances installed in patient-occupied areas of nursing suites. The following shall apply:

(B) All air grilles and diffusers shall be of a type that prevents the insertion of foreign objects.

(C) All convector or HVAC enclosures exposed in the room shall be constructed with rounded corners and shall have enclosures fastened with tamper-resistant fasteners.

(D) HVAC equipment shall be of a type that minimizes the need for maintenance within the room.

(E) Outside air shall be supplied to each patient room by a central air handling unit to provide make-up air for air exhausted from the bathroom in accordance with Note 3 of Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40.

(F) Each patient room bathroom shall be exhausted continuously to the exterior in accordance with Table 3 of § 510.131(Cc) of Title 40.

(5) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Each patient bathroom shall contain a water closet and a lavatory. The lavatory may be located in a single bed patient room instead of in the bathroom.

(B) An additional lavatory shall be placed in each patient room proper where the bathroom serves more than two beds.

(C) Hand washing fixtures shall be located near the nurses' station and the drug distribution station. One lavatory may serve both areas.

(D) Faucet controls shall not be equipped with handles that may be easily broken off in the patient care areas.

(E) Bedpan washers are not required in patient bathrooms.

(F) Piped medical gas systems are not required unless otherwise noted.

(G) Only special, tamper proof sprinkler heads from which it is not possible to suspend any objects shall be installed.

(6) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Electric receptacles in nursing units.

(i) Each receptacle shall be grounded to the reference grounding point by means of an insulated copper grounding conductor.

(ii) Each patient bed location shall be supplied by at least two branch circuits, one from the critical branch of the emergency system as required by NFPA 99, § 3-4 and one from the normal system. All branch circuits from the normal system shall originate in the same panelboard.

(iii) One duplex receptacle connected to a normal branch circuit and one duplex outlet connected to the critical branch circuit shall be located on opposite sides of the head of each bed. In addition at least one duplex outlet shall be located on each wall. A dedicated outlet shall be provided at the television location.

(iv) Each examination table shall have access to two duplex receptacles.

(v) Each work table or counter shall have access to two duplex receptacles.

(vi) One duplex receptacle shall be installed in the bathroom to permit the use of electrical appliances in front of the mirror.

(vii) Receptacles shall be protected by GFCI breakers installed in distribution panel enclosures serving the nursing suite.

(viii) Duplex receptacles shall be installed not more than 50 feet apart in corridors and within 25 feet of corridor ends.

(ix) When mobile x-ray equipment is provided, special receptacles marked for X-ray use shall be installed in corridors so that mobile equipment may be used anywhere within a patient room using a cord length of 50 feet or less. Where capacitive discharge or battery powered X-ray units are used, special X-ray receptacles will not be required in corridors.

(x) Additional duplex receptacles shall be installed as required to satisfy operational needs of the nursing unit.

(B) Nurses calling systems. When a nurses calling system is provided in a nursing suite, a nurses regular calling system, nurses emergency calling system, and a staff emergency assistance calling system shall comply with § 510.122(d)(5)(k) of Title 40. Provisions shall be made for easy removal of all call buttons or for covering call buttons as required for security. Pull cords shall not exceed 18 inches in length.

(i) Each patient room shall be served by at least one nurses regular calling station for two-way voice communication. Each patient bed shall be provided with a call button. Two call buttons serving adjacent beds may be served by one calling station. In rooms containing two or more calling stations, indicating lights shall be provided at each station. Nurses calling systems shall be equipped with an indicating light at each calling station which remains lighted as long as the voice circuit is operating.

(ii) A nurses emergency calling system shall be provided at each inpatient water closet, bathtub and shower in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5)(k)(ii) of Title 40. When conveniently located one emergency call station may serve one bathroom.

(iii) A staff emergency assistance calling system for staff to summon additional assistance shall be provided in central bathing facility rooms and exam/treatment rooms in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5)(k)(iii) of Title 40.

(iv) All nurse call hardware shall have tamper resistant fasteners.

(v) A call system shall be provided at all seclusion anterooms.

(C) Illumination requirements.

(i) General illumination requirements. Nursing suite corridors shall have general illumination with provisions for reducing light levels at night. Illumination of corridors for egress purposes shall comply with NFPA 101, §§ 18-2.8 and 18-2.9.

(ii) Illumination of the nurses station. Illumination of the nurses station and all nursing support areas shall be with fixtures powered from the critical branch of the emergency electrical system NFPA 99, § 3-4.2.2.2(c).

(iii) Patient suite lighting.

(I) Each patient room shall be provided with general lighting and night lighting. General lighting and night lighting shall be controlled at the room entrance. All controls for lighting in patient areas shall be of the quiet operating type. Control of night lighting circuits may be achieved by automatic means and in such instances control of night lighting at the room entrance shall not be required. At least one general light fixture and night lighting shall be powered from the critical branch of the essential electrical system.

(II) A reading light shall be provided for each patient. Reading light control shall be readily accessible from each patient bed. High heat producing light sources such as incandescent and halogen shall be avoided to prevent burns to patients and/or bed linen. Light sources shall be covered by a diffuser or a lens.

(III) A wall or ceiling mounted lighting fixture shall be provided above each lavatory.

(IV) A ceiling mounted fixture shall be provided in patient bathrooms where the lighting fixture above the lavatory does not provide adequate illumination of the entire bathroom. Some form of fixed illumination shall be powered from the critical branch.

(o) Pharmacy suite.

(1) Architectural requirements.

(A) General. The pharmacy room or suite shall be located for convenient access, staff control, and security for drugs and personnel.

(B) Dispensing area. The pharmacy room or suite shall include the following functional spaces and facilities:

(i) area(s) for pickup, receiving, reviewing and recording;

(ii) extemporaneous compounding area with sufficient counter space for drug preparation and sink with hands-free operable controls;

(iii) work counter space for automated and manual dispensing activities;

(iv) storage or areas for temporary storage, exchange, and restocking of carts; and

(v) security provisions for drugs and personnel in the dispensing counter area.

(C) Manufacturing. The pharmacy room or suite shall provide the following functional spaces and facilities.

(i) When bulk compounding area is required, work space and counters shall be provided.

(ii) When packaging, labeling and quality control is required, an area(s) shall be provided.

(D) Storage. The following spaces shall be provided in cabinets, shelves, and/or separate rooms or closets:

(i) space for bulk storage, active storage, and refrigerated storage;

(ii) storage in a fire safety cabinet or storage room that is constructed under the requirements for protection from hazardous areas in accordance with NFPA 101, Chapter 12, for alcohol or other volatile fluids, when used; and

(iii) storage space for general supplies and equipment not in use.

(E) Administrative area(s). An administrative area for the pharmacy is optional for crisis stabilization units. The following functional spaces and facilities shall be included for the administrative area(s):

(i) office area for the chief pharmacist and any other offices areas required for records, reports, accounting activities, and patients profiles;

(ii) poison control center with storage facilities for reaction data and drug information centers; and

(iii) a room or area for counseling and instruction when individual medication pick-up is available for inpatients or outpatients.

(F) Service areas. The following service areas and items shall be provided.

(i) Intravenous (IV) solutions area. When IV solutions are prepared in a pharmacy, a sterile work area with a laminar-flow workstation designed for product protection shall be provided.

(ii) Satellite pharmacy. When provided, the room(s) shall include a work counter, a sink with hands-free operable controls, storage facilities, and refrigerator for medications.

(iii) Hand washing amenities. A hand washing fixture with hands-free operable controls shall be located in each room where open medication is handled.

(iv) Staff toilets. Toilets may be outside the suite but shall be convenient for staff use.

(2) Mechanical Requirements. Mechanical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(3) of Title 40 and this paragraph. When IV solutions are prepared, the required laminar-flow system shall include a non-hygroscopic filter rated at 99.97% (HEPA). A pressure gauge shall be installed for detection of filter leaks or defects.

(3) Piping systems and plumbing fixtures. Piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(4) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Material used for plumbing fixtures shall be non-absorptive and acid-resistant.

(B) Water spouts used at lavatories and sinks shall have clearances adequate to avoid contaminating utensils and the contents of carafes, etc.

(4) Electrical requirements. Electrical requirements shall be in accordance with § 510.122(d)(5) of Title 40 and this paragraph.

(A) Under-counter receptacles and conduits shall be arranged (raised) to not interfere with cleaning of the floor below or of the equipment.

(B) Exhaust hoods shall have an indicator light indicating that the exhaust fan is in operation.

(C) Electrical circuit(s) to equipment in wet areas shall be provided with five milliampere GFCI.

(p) Rehabilitation therapy suite.

(1) Occupational therapy. When occupational therapy services are provided, the following shall be included:

(A) an activity room with work areas, counters and a hand washing fixture. Counters shall be wheel chair accessible;

(B) a storage room for supplies and equipment;

(C) secured storage for potential harmful supplies and equipment; and

(D) remote electrical switching for potentially harmful equipment.

(2) Physical therapy. When physical therapy services are provided, the following rooms shall be included.

(A) When services required by the narrative program for thermotherapy, diathermy, ultrasonics, and hydrotherapy, individual treatment areas shall be provided.

(B) An individual treatment area(s) shall be a minimum of 70 square feet of clear floor area exclusive of four foot aisle space. Privacy screens or curtains shall be provided at each treatment station.

(C) A hand washing fixture with hands-free operable controls shall be provided in each treatment room/space. A hand washing fixture may serve several patient stations when cubicles or open room concepts are used and when the fixture is conveniently located.

(D) An area shall be provided for exercise and may be combined with treatment areas in open plan concepts.

(E) Provisions for the collection and storage of wet and soiled linen shall be provided.

(F) A storage area or room for equipment, clean linen, and supplies shall be provided.

(G) When outpatient physical therapy services are provided, the suite shall have as a minimum patient dressing areas, showers and lockers.

(3) Service areas. The following areas or items shall be provided in a rehabilitative therapy suite, but may be shared when multiple rehabilitation services are offered:

(A) patient waiting area(s) with space for wheelchairs;

(B) patient toilet facilities containing hand washing fixtures with hands-free operable controls;

(C) reception and control station(s). The reception and control station shall be located to provide supervision of activities areas. The control station may be combined with office and clerical spaces;

(D) office and clerical space;

(E) wheelchair and stretcher storage room or alcove which shall be in addition to other storage requirements;

(F) lockable closets, lockers or cabinets for securing staff personal effects;

(G) staff toilets. The toilets may be outside the suite but shall be convenient for staff use and contain hand washing fixtures with hands-free operable controls; and

(H) housekeeping room, conveniently accessible.

Texas Administrative CodeTitle 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESPart 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSIONChapter 510 - PRIVATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS AND CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITSSubchapter G - PHYSICAL PLANT AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTSSection 510.123 - Spatial Requirements for New Construction