Section 388-97-0880. Environment.

The nursing home must provide and maintain:

(1) A safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, allowing the resident to use his or her personal belongings to the extent possible;

(2) Housekeeping and maintenance services necessary to maintain a sanitary, orderly, and comfortable interior;

(3) Comfortable and safe temperature levels:

(a) Facilities licensed after October 1, 1990 must maintain a temperature range of seventy-one to eighty-one degrees Fahrenheit; and

(b) Regardless of external weather conditions, all nursing homes must develop and implement procedures and processes to maintain a temperature level that is comfortable and safe for residents;

(4) Comfortable sound levels, to include:

(a) Minimizing the use of the public address system to ensure each use is in the best interest of the residents; and

(b) Taking reasonable precautions with noisy services so as not to disturb residents, particularly during their sleeping time; and

(5) Lighting suitable for any task the resident chooses to do, and any task the staff must do.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.51 and 74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-0880, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.]

Chapters 18.51 and 74.42 RCW and 42 C.F.R. 489.52. WSR 08-20-062, § 388-97-0880, filed 9/24/08, effective 11/1/08.