Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
FACILITY STANDARDS AND LICENSING
Chapter 246-322 - Private psychiatric and alcoholism hospitals
Section 246-322-140 - Patient living areas

Universal Citation: WA Admin Code 246-322-140

Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024

The licensee shall:

(1) Provide patient sleeping rooms with:

(a) A minimum of eighty square feet of useable floor space in a single bedroom;

(b) A minimum of seventy square feet of useable floor space per bed in a multipatient room;

(c) A minimum ceiling height of seven feet six inches over the required floor area;

(d) A maximum capacity of four patients;

(e) A floor elevation no lower than three feet six inches below grade, with grade extending horizontally ten or more feet from the building;

(f) A clear window area on an outside wall equal to or greater than one-tenth the floor area with a minimum of ten square feet;

(g) Only security or maximum security windows;

(h) Direct access to and from a corridor, common-use activity room, or other common-use area;

(i) Sufficient room furnishings maintained in safe and clean condition including:
(i) A bed for each patient at least thirty-six inches wide or appropriate to the special needs and size of the patient;

(ii) A cleanable, firm mattress; and

(iii) A cleanable or disposable pillow; and

(j) At least three feet between beds, and adequate space between furnishings to allow easy entrance, exit, and traffic flow within the room;

(k) A means to assure patient privacy when appropriate;

(2) Provide, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1) of this section, when security rooms are used:

(a) Security or maximum security windows appropriate to the area and program;

(b) Furnishings, equipment and design for maximum safety and security;

(c) Shielded and tamper-resistant lighting fixtures and electrical outlets;

(d) A door lockable from the outside; and

(e) Provisions for authorized staff to observe occupants;

(3) Provide an enclosed space within the patient sleeping room, or nearby, suitable for each patient to hang garments, and store clothing and personal belongings;

(4) Provide secure storage for each patient's valuables in the patient sleeping room or conveniently available elsewhere in the hospital;

(5) Provide a dining area for patients in a community setting with furnishings appropriate for dining;

(6) Provide and maintain a safe area or areas for patient recreation and physical activity equal to or greater than twenty square feet for each licensed bed space;

(7) Provide a visiting area allowing privacy for patients and visitors;

(8) Provide a readily available telephone for patients to make and receive confidential calls; and

(9) Provide a "nonpay" telephone or equivalent communication device readily accessible on each patient occupied floor for emergency use.

Statutory Authority: Chapter 71.12 RCW and RCW 43.60.040. 95-22-012, § 246-322-140, filed 10/20/95, effective 11/20/95.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Washington may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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