Section 388-78A-2380. Restricted egress.

An assisted living facility must ensure all of the following conditions are present before moving residents into units or buildings with exits that may restrict a resident's egress:

(1) Each resident, or a person authorized under RCW 7.70.065 to provide consent on behalf of the resident, consents to living in such unit or building.

(2) Each resident assessed as being cognitively and physically able to safely leave the assisted living facility is able to do so independently without restriction.

(3) Each resident, assessed as being cognitively able to safely leave the assisted living facility and who has physical challenges that make exiting difficult, is able to leave the assisted living facility when the resident desires and in a manner consistent with the resident's negotiated service agreement.

(4) Each resident who is assessed as being unsafe to leave the assisted living facility unescorted is able to leave the assisted living facility consistent with his or her negotiated service agreement.

(5) Areas from which egress is restricted are equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire detection system and automatic fire sprinkler system electrically interconnected with a fire alarm system that transmits an alarm off site to a twenty-four hour monitoring station.

(6) Installation of special egress control devices in all proposed construction issued a project number by construction review services on or after September 1, 2004 for construction related to this section, must conform to standards adopted by the state building code council.

(7) Installation of special egress control devices in all construction issued a project number by construction review services before September 1, 2004 for construction related to this section, must conform to the following:

(a) The egress control device must automatically deactivate upon activation of either the sprinkler system or the smoke detection system.

(b) The egress control device must automatically deactivate upon loss of electrical power to any one of the following:

(i) The egress control device itself;

(ii) The smoke detection system; or

(iii) The means of egress illumination.

(c) The egress control device must be capable of being deactivated by a signal from a switch located in an approved location.

(d) An irreversible process which will deactivate the egress control device must be initiated whenever a manual force of not more than fifteen pounds is applied for two seconds to the panic bar or other door-latching hardware. The egress control device must deactivate within an approved time period not to exceed a total of fifteen seconds. The time delay must not be field adjustable.

(e) Actuation of the panic bar or other door-latching hardware must activate an audible signal at the door.

(f) The unlatching must not require more than one operation.

(g) A sign must be provided on the door located above and within twelve inches of the panic bar or other door-latching hardware reading:

"Keep pushing. The door will open in fifteen seconds. Alarm will sound."

The sign lettering must be at least one inch in height and must have a stroke of not less than one-eighth inch.

(h) Regardless of the means of deactivation, relocking of the egress control device must be by manual means only at the door.

(8) The assisted living facility must have a system in place to inform and permit visitors, staff persons and appropriate residents how they can exit without sounding the alarm.

(9) Units or buildings from which egress is restricted are equipped with a secured outdoor space for walking which:

(a) Is accessible to residents without staff assistance;

(b) Is surrounded by walls or fences at least seventy-two inches high;

(c) Has areas protected from direct sunshine and rain throughout the day;

(d) Has walking surfaces that are firm, stable, slip-resistant and free from abrupt changes and are suitable for individuals using wheelchairs and walkers; and

(e) Has suitable outdoor furniture.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.20 RCW. WSR 13-13-063, § 388-78A-2380, filed 6/18/13, effective 7/19/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.20.090. WSR 06-01-047, § 388-78A-2380, filed 12/15/05, effective 1/15/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.20.090 (2004 c 142 § 19) and chapter 18.20 RCW. WSR 04-16-065, § 388-78A-2380, filed 7/30/04, effective 9/1/04.]

Chapter 18.20 RCW. WSR 13-13-063, § 388-78A-2380, filed 6/18/13, effective 7/19/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.20.090. WSR 06-01-047, § 388-78A-2380, filed 12/15/05, effective 1/15/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.20.090 (2004 c 142 § 19) and chapter 18.20 RCW. WSR 04-16-065, § 388-78A-2380, filed 7/30/04, effective 9/1/04.