Section 246-322-140. Patient living areas.

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. WSR 95-22-012, § 246-322-140, filed 10/20/95, effective 11/20/95.]

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