901 NEW CONSTRUCTION, REMODELING OR ADDITIONS
901.1 GENERAL
A new facility is one that had plans approved by the Office of Long Term Care and began operation, or construction or renovation of a building for the purpose of operating a Level II assisted living facility on or after the adoption date of these regulations, or both. The regulations and codes governing new facilities apply if and when the facility proposes to begin operation in a building not previously and
continuously used as a facility licensed under these regulations. For purposes of these regulations, construction refers to a new facility where none existed or to the addition of new wings or other sections of the facility; renovation refers to any structural changes to the existing facility, including but not limited to painting, replacement or repair of carpet, tile or linoleum, and minor repairs.
Additions to existing facilities, construction, or renovation shall meet the standards for new construction, and a copy of the facility floor plan must be submitted to the Office of Long Term Care for approval. Provided, however, that changes to the floor plan for areas of the facility unaffected by the addition, construction or renovation are not required.
901.2 SITE LOCATION, INSPECTION APPROVALS AND SUBSOIL INVESTIGATION
a. The building site shall afford good drainage and shall not be subject to flooding or be located near insect breeding areas, noise or other nuisance producing locations or hazardous locations, industrial developments, airports, railways or near penal or other objectionable institutions or near a cemetery. The site shall afford the safety of residents and not be subject to
air pollution.
b. A site shall be adequate to accommodate roads and walks within the lot lines to at least the main entrance, ambulance entrance, and service entrance. All facility sites shall contain enough square footage to provide at least as much space for walks, drives and lawn space as the square footage contained in the building. c. The building site shall be inspected and approved by the OLTC before construction is begun.
901.3 SUBMISSION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES
a. When construction is contemplated either for new buildings, additions or major alterations in excess of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), plans and specifications shall be submitted in duplicate, one (1) to OLTC and one (1) to the Plumbing Division of the Arkansas Department of Health, for review along with a copy of the statement of approval from the Comprehensive Health Planning Agency. Final plan approval shall be given by OLTC.
b. Such plans and specifications shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer or an architect licensed in the State of Arkansas
pursuant to Act 270 of 1941, codified as Ark. Code Ann. §17-15-101, et seq. and shall be drawn to scale with the title and date shown thereon. OLTC shall have a minimum of three (3) weeks to review the drawing and specifications and submit their comments to the applicant. Any proposed deviations from the approved plans and specifications shall be submitted to the OLTC prior to making any changes. Construction cannot start until approval of plans and specifications have been received from the OLTC. The OLTC shall be notified as soon as construction of a new building or alteration to an existing building is started.
c. An estimate shall accompany all working plans and specifications when the total cost of construction is more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
d. Representatives from the OLTC shall have access to the construction premises and the construction project for purposes of making whatever inspections the OLTC deems necessary throughout the course of construction.
901.4 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
All facilities licensed under these regulations shall be designed and constructed to substantially comply with pertinent local and state laws, codes, ordinances and standards. All new construction shall be in accordance with the requirements for
I-2 Groups as specified in the International Building Code (IBC) 2000, except that:
1. All exit corridors shall be no less than six (6) feet wide, and shall be clear of obstructions. In fully sprinkled buildings, furnishings and seating areas are permitted in corridors as long as at least a corridor width of six (6) feet remains clear of obstructions;
2. Exit doors from patient or resident rooms shall be no less than thirty-six inches (36”) wide; and,
3. Doors shall, at a minimum, meet or exceed the fire ratings specified for I-2 Group construction under the IBC 2000. Compliance with this requirement shall be determined by the approved fire rating of the door conducted in accordance with IBC requirements, and not as to the door’s construction type, such as hollow- or solid-core.
The facility shall develop and shall comply with a written evacuation plan approved by the local fire marshal. All new construction shall be readily accessible and useable by persons with physical disabilities including persons who use wheelchairs. All construction shall comply with the requirements of the ADA.
Plans shall be submitted to the OLTC in the following stages:
1. Step (1) – Working drawings and specifications that shall be prepared so that clear and distinct prints may be obtained; accurate dimensions including all necessary explanatory notes, schedules and legends. Working drawings shall be complete and adequate for contract purposes. Separate drawings shall be prepared for each of the following branches of work, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical, and shall include the following:
A. Approved plan showing all new topography, newly established levels and grades, existing structures on the site (if any), new
buildings and structures, roadways, walks, and the extent of the areas to be seeded. All structures and improvements that are to be
removed under the construction contract shall be shown. A print of the survey shall be included with the working drawings;
B. Plan of each floor and roof;
C. Elevations of each facade;
D. Sections through building;
E. Scale and full size details as necessary to properly indicate portion of the work;
F. Schedule of finishes.
2. Step (2) – Equipment Drawings: Large-scale drawings of typical and special rooms indicating all fixed equipment and major items of furniture and movable equipment.
3. Step (3) – Structural Drawings:
A. Plans of foundations, floors, roofs and all intermediate levels shall show a complete design with sizes, sections, and the relative
location of the various members. Schedule of beams, girders, and columns, shall be included;
B. Floor levels, column centers, and offsets shall be dimensioned;
C. Special openings and pipe sleeves shall be dimensioned or otherwise noted for easy reference;
D. Details of all special connections, assemblies, and expansion joints shall be given.
4. Step (4) – Mechanical Drawings: These drawings with specifications shall show the complete heating and ventilation systems, plumbing, drainage and standpipe system and laundry and shall include:
A. Heating and air-conditioning systems, including:
1. Air-conditioning systems with required equipment, water and refrigerant piping and ducts;
2. Exhaust and supply ventilating systems with steam connections and piping;
3. Air quantities for all room supply and exhaust ventilating duct openings;
B. Plumbing, drainage and standpipe systems, including:
1. Size and elevation of street sewer, house sewer, house drains, street water main, and water service into the
building;
2. Locations and size of soil, waste, and vent stacks with connections to house drains, clean outs, fixtures, and
equipment;
3. Size and location of hot, cold, and circulating mains, branches and risers from the service entrance and tanks;
4. Riser diagram to show all plumbing stacks with vents, water risers, and fixture connections;
5. Gas, oxygen, and special connections;
6. Plumbing fixtures and equipment that require water and drain connections;
C. Elevators and dumbwaiters: Details and dimensions of shaft, pit, and machine room; sizes of car platform and doors;
D. Kitchens, laundry, refrigeration, and laboratories: These shall be detailed at a satisfactory scale to show the location, size, and
connection of all fixed equipment.
5. Step (5) – Electrical Drawings:
A. Drawings shall show electrical wiring, outlets, smoke detectors, and equipment that require electrical connections;
B. Electrical service entrances with switches and feeder to the public service feeders shall be shown;
C. Plan and diagram showing main switchboard, power panels, light panels, and equipment;
D. Light outlets, receptacles, switches, power outlets, and circuits;
E. Nurses’ call systems, either wireless systems or hardwired, with outlets for beds, duty stations, door signal lights, enunciators, and
wiring diagrams. If a wireless system is employed, the electrical drawing will indicate the implementation of the system including
designations for residents call systems in residents’ apartments or units;
F. Fire alarm system with stations, signal devices, control board, and wiring diagrams;
G. Emergency electrical system with outlets, transfer switch, source of supply, feeders, and circuits.
6. Step (6) – Specifications: Specifications shall supplement the drawings to fully describe types, sizes, capacities, workmanship, finishes, and other characteristics of all materials and equipment, and shall include the
following:
A. Cover or title sheet;
B. Index;
C. General conditions;
D. General requirements;
E. Sections describing material and workmanship in detail for each class of work.
901.5 CODES AND STANDARDS
The following codes and standards are incorporated into and made a part of these regulations:
a. The 2000 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) applies to new construction and alterations or additions to all facilities;
b. The American Disabilities Act specifications for making buildings and facilities accessible to and usable by the physically handicapped shall apply to all facilities;
c. Arkansas State Plumbing Code;
d. Fire Resistance Index 1971, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.;
e. Handbook of Fundamentals, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), United Engineer Center, 345 East 47the Street, New York, New York 10017;
f. Methods of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, Standard No. E 84-61 American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard No. 84-61, 1961 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103;
g. Method of Fire Test of Building Construction and Materials, Standard No. E119, American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTMO), 1961 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103;
h. Minimum Power Supply Requirements, Bulletin No. XR4-10 National Electrical Manufactures Association (NEMA), 155 East 44th Street, New York, New York 10017.
902 CONVERTED FACILITIES
a. Existing facilities that convert to Assisted Living Facilities must meet the following requirements:
1. The facility shall provide a small refrigerator in each resident’s room, except as may otherwise be provided by these regulation;
2. The facility shall provide a microwave oven in each resident’s room, except as may be otherwise provided by regulation;
3. The facility must meet minimum space requirements for resident rooms of one hundred fifty square feet (150 sq. ft.) per person or
two hundred thirty square feet (230 sq. ft.) for two (2) persons sharing a room, exclusive of entryway, closet, and bathroom, or
one hundred square feet (100 sq. ft.) per person or one hundred eighty square feet (180 sq. ft.) for two (2) persons if the room has a
half or full bath or if there is a shared bathroom between two (2) rooms; and,
4. The application conforms to all other assisted living regulations.
b. For purposes of this section, the terms existing facility and existing facilities shall mean:
1. A Residential Care Facility licensed or holding a permit of approval as of April 2, 2001; and,
2. Facilities as described in Ark. Code Ann. § 20-10-1709(b).
903 FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT
The following are general provisions concerning furnishing and equipment that each Level II assisted living facility must meet:
a. All rooms must have working light switches at the entrance to each room.
b. Windows must be kept clean and in good repair and supplied with curtains, shades or drapes. Each window that can be opened shall have a screen that is clean and in good repair.
c. Light fixtures in resident general use or common areas must be equipped with covers to prevent glare and hazards to the residents. A fixture without a cover is permitted with the use of a Teflon coated bulb.
d. All fans located within seven (7) feet of the floor must be protected by screen guards.
e. Common dining room space and furnishings in good repair must be provided for each resident in the facility. Dining room space and
furnishings must be sufficient to serve all residents. Facilities shall be allowed to plan dining schedules to allow for two (2) seating per meal tub increase resident’s choice of meal times.
f. All furnishings and equipment in common areas must be durable, clean, and appropriate to its functions.
g. All areas of a facility must be well lighted to ensure residents’ safety.
i. Throw- or scatter-rugs, or bath-rugs or mats, shall have a non-skid backing.
j. Residents may provide their own linens, but may not be required by the facility to do so. The facility must include in the resident’s direct care service plan portion of the occupancy admission agreement whether the resident or his or her responsible party prefers the facility to provide linens or the resident or his or her responsible party will provide his or her own linens, and whether the facility will launder the linens or the resident or his or her responsible party will laundry his or her own linens. Linens may be provided by the facility for no cost or may be provided at an extra charge. If the resident or his or her responsible party chooses to utilize facility linens, the following minimum amounts of linen must be available in the facility at all times:
1. Sheets – three (3) sets for each resident;
2. Pillowcases – three (3) sets for each resident;
3. Bath towel – three (3) for each resident;
4. Hand towels – three (3) for each resident;
5. Washcloths –three (3) for each resident;
6. Blankets – one (1) for each resident;
7. Pillows – one (1) per resident.
If the resident or his or her responsible party wishes to use his or her own personal linens, the facility will counsel the resident or his or her responsible party on recommended quantities to maintain. In the case where a resident or his or her responsible party uses personal linens, the facility is not required to provide or keep available any linens for the resident unless the resident does not have sufficient numbers of personal linens available to maintain clean and sanitary conditions. If this is the case, the facility shall provide additional linens up to the quantities specified above. In both cases, clean linens may be stored in the resident’s apartment.
k. Bed linens must be changed at least weekly, or as often as needed to ensure clean or non-soiled linens.
l. Wastepaper baskets and trash containers used in the facility common areas must be metal or Underwriter’s Laboratory approved plastic baskets. Outside trash containers must be equipped with covers.
m. Practices that create an increased risk of fire are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
1. Space heaters. In cases of emergency, such as extended power loss during periods of cold weather, space heaters are permitted upon
the approval of the Office of Long Term Care.
2. The accumulation or storage within the facility of combustible materials such as rags, paper items, gasoline, kerosene, paint or
paint thinners.
3. The use of candles, oil lamps, incense or open-flamed items.
4. The use of extension cords or multi-plug adapters for electrical outlets. Facilities may utilize Transient Voltage Surge Protectors
or Surge Suppressors with microprocessor electronic equipment such as computers or CD/DVD recorders or players. Any
Transient Voltage Surge Protectors or Surge Suppressors must have a maximum UL rating of 330v and must have a functioning protection indicator light. Facilities may not use Transient Voltage Surge Protectors or Surge Suppressors that do not have a
functioning protection indicator light or Transient Voltage Surge Protectors or Surge Suppressors in which the functioning
protection indicator light does not light to indicate that the device is functioning. Automatic electrical timers with a UL rating are
permitted, for programmed time periods, for energy efficiency and safety, if the facility or residents elect to use it for lamps, holiday
decorations, or other small electrical devices.
904 REQUIREMENTS FOR RESIDENT GENERAL USE/COMMON AREAS
904.1 Distinct Part Facilities
a. Physical and programmatic separation – an assisted living facility shall be both physically and programmatically distinct from any residential care facility, nursing home or hospital to which it is attached or of which it is a part, provided, however, that programmatic separation shall not include social or recreational.
NOTE:This does not prohibit residents from walking through a community based residential facility serving similar or compatible
population, e.g., the elderly or the physically disabled. This does not prohibit independent living and assisted living to be in a
combined building or prevent assisted living from occupying apartments scattered throughout a project that combines
independent and assisted living. This does not require separation between an assisted living facility and housing for the elderly or
other purely residential use. For example, assisted living facility apartments may be interspersed with non-assisted living apartments that are non-licensed, independent living apartments in the same building, and an assisted living facility may share dining
room and other common space with an attached apartment building.
b. Physical separation – Residents shall not be required to first enter or pass through a portion of the health care facility or community-based residential facility in order to enter an assisted living facility, provided, however, that residents may enter the assisted living facility through common areas (reference the exception noted in Section 904.1(a) above). Similarly, persons shall not be required to pass through the assisted living facility in order to enter a health care facility or community-based residential facility. An assisted living facility may share a common lobby and access area of a multipurpose building and may be entered via elevator from the lobby or access area. A dining room or activity area may be shared.
904.2 Each assisted living facility must meet the following requirements for resident general use/common areas:
a. Each facility must have dining room and living room space easily accessible to all residents (reference standards set in Section
903.1(a)(b) above;
b. Common dining rooms and living rooms must not be used as bedrooms;
c. Dining rooms must be furnished with enough dining tables and chairs to permit all residents to be seated, or to permit one-half of
the resident census to be seated at one time and allowing facilities to provide dining schedules that allow two settings per meal.
d. Dining rooms and living rooms must be available for use by residents at appropriate times to provide periods of social diversion
and individual or group activities;
e. Common area toilet facilities shall be provided to meet the needs of residents, staff and visitors to the facility and shall be located in
areas other than the resident’s apartment or unit.
f. All resident areas must be painted and appropriately furnished;
g. Facilities in buildings constructed after the effective date of these regulations shall be constructed with hallways/corridors wide
enough to allow two wheelchairs (six (6) feet) to pass each other. Facilities in existing buildings that have not undergone substantial
renovation since the effective date of these regulations shall have corridors large enough to meet current egress requirements
mandated by applicable codes.
h. A minimum of one phone jack must be available in each resident’s apartment or unit for the resident to establish private phone service
in his or her name. In addition, there shall be, at a minimum, one dedicated facility phone and phone line for every forty (40)
residents in common areas. The phone shall allow unlimited local calling without charge. Long distance calling shall be possible at
the expense of the resident or responsible party via personal calling card, pre-paid phone card, or similar methods. Residents shall be
able to make phone calls in private. “Private” can be defined as placing the phone in an area that is secluded and away from
frequently used areas.
i. Facility’s laundry services area(s) shall meet the requirements outlined in Section 700.2.2.
j. Facility’s pantry area(s) shall meet the requirements outlined in Sections 700.3.11 and 700.3.13.
k. Facility’s medication storage area(s) shall meet the requirements outlined in Sections 702.1.2.
200 Square footage requirements for common area living room, dining room, and activities room are as follows:
a. All facilities:
1. The living and activity spaces must be separate from the dining room with a combined total square footage of at
least 20 square feet per licensed bed. Living and activity spaces do not include corridors and lobby areas for the
purposes of calculation. Living and activity spaces may be combined;
2. The facility must have at least 20 square feet of designated dining space per licensed bed if dining will be conducted in
one seating. If dining will be conducted in two seating’s, 10 square feet per resident will be required. Facilities will
document their dining seating plan, and maintain the documentation for review by the OLTC;
3. In facilities that house residents in more than one (1) building, there shall be a living room and/or activities room
located in each building with at least 10 square feet per licensed bed with an additional 10 square feet available on
the campus in a commons area. The facility’s 10 square feet per licensed bed in the commons area shall be distinct
from any other square footage requirements for other campus programs;
4. In facilities housing residents in more than one (1) building,na single dining room may be used for the complex. The
dining room in a single building facility or a multi-building facility must have at least 20 square feet of space per
licensed bed in the facility. If dining will be conducted in two (2) seatings, 10 square feet per resident will be
required. Facilities will document their dining seating plan, and maintain the documentation for review by the OLTC.
In facilities housing residents in more than one (1) building, protection from the elements of the weather shall be
provided for residents who must access other buildings;
b. Any modification, alternation or addition must satisfy all physical environment requirements in effect at the time that the
modification, alteration, or addition is placed into service and shall meet the requirements of the ADA.
905 APARTMENTS
a. All living units in assisted living facilities shall be independent apartments (exceptions shall be granted based on Act 1230 of 2001). Each apartment or unit shall be of adequate size and configuration to permit residents to carry out, with or without assistance, all the functions necessary for independent living, including sleeping; sitting; dressing; personal hygiene; storing, preparing, serving and eating food; storing clothing and other personal possessions; doing personal correspondence and paperwork; and entertaining visitors. Each apartment or unit shall be accessible to and useable by residents who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid consistent with the accessibility standards.
b. Physical features. Each independent apartment or unit shall have at least the following:
1. An individual lockable entrance and exit. A single door may serve as both entrance and exit. Keys, code or other opening devise for
the door to the independent apartment or unit shall be supplied to residents. Keys, code or other opening devise for the door(s) to the
assisted living facility shall be supplied to all residents without an credible diagnosis of dementia. In situations where a provider
feels a resident without a diagnosis of dementia is at risk of injury to themselves if provided with a key, code or other exit devise to
the facility, a compliance agreement may be negotiated. All apartments or units shall be accessible by means of a master key or
similar system that is available at all times in the facility and for use by designated staff.
2. Each apartment or unit of new construction resident units shall have a minimum of 150 square feet per person or 230 square feet
for two (2) persons sharing a room excluding entryway, bathroom and closets. No apartment or unit in an assisted living facility shall
be occupied by more than two persons;
3. Each apartment or unit shall have a separate and complete bathroom with a toilet, bathtub or shower, and sink;
4. The cooking capacity of each apartment or unit may be removed or disconnected depending on the individual needs of the resident;
5. Each apartment or unit shall have a call system monitored 24-hours
a day by facility staff in the facility. Wireless call systems approved by the Office of Long Term Care may be utilized;
6. Each apartment or unit shall be equipped for telephone and
television cable or central television antenna system);
7. Each apartment or unit shall have easy access to common areas such as living room(s), activity room(s), dining room(s) and
laundry;
8. Private accessible mailbox that complies with U. S. Postal Service requirements for apartment style boxes in which the resident may
send and receive mail that meets postal standards. Mailboxes may be grouped in a common area, located at the resident’s apartment
or unit door or located as required by the U. S. Postal Service;
9. Each apartment or unit shall have a kitchen that is a visually and functionally distinct area within the apartment or unit (see Section
300, definition of Visually and Functionally Distinct Area). The kitchen, at a minimum, shall contain a small refrigerator with a
freezer compartment, a cabinet for food storage, a small bar-type sink with hot and cold running water and space with electrical
outlets suitable for small cooking appliances, e.g., a microwave. Exceptions shall be granted based on Act 1230 of 2001. Upon entering the assisted living facility, the resident or his or her responsible party shall be asked if they wish to have a cooking appliance. If so, the appliance shall be provided by the facility, in accordance with facility policies. If the resident or his or her responsible party wishes to provide their own cooking appliance, it shall meet the facility’s safety standards. The cooking appliances shall be designed so that they can be disconnected and removed for resident safety or if the resident chooses not to have cooking capability within his or her apartment.
10. Each apartment or unit shall have a sleeping and living area that is a visually and functionally distinct area within the apartment or
unit (see Section 300, definition of Visually and Functionally Distinct Area) but need not be separate rooms.
11. Male and female residents must not have adjoining rooms that do not have full floor to ceiling partitions and closable solid core
doors.
906 SAFETY STANDARDS
a. Each assisted living facility built after these regulations become effective must meet the Group 1-2 requirements of the 2000 edition of the International Building Code (IBC).
b. If the local municipality in which the facility is located has not adopted requirements based on the above standards, or if the Office of Long Term Care determines that the regulations adopted by the local municipality are not adequate to protect residents, the facility must meet the provisions of the 2000 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC), including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements referenced by the IBC.
c. A fire drill must be conducted quarterly with all staff participation on each shift. Resident participation is the facility’s option. A tornado/evacuation drill must be conducted annually with all staff. Resident participation is at the facility’s option.
d. Facilities may elect to prohibit smoking in the facility or on the grounds or both. If a facility elects to permit smoking in the facility or on the grounds, the facility shall include the following minimal provisions, and the facility shall ensure that:
i. In facilities equipped with sprinkler systems, the facility may designate a smoking area or areas within the facility. The
designated area or areas shall have a ventilation system that is separate from the ventilation system for non-smoking areas of the
facility. Facilities lacking a sprinkler system are prohibited from designating smoking areas within the facility.
ii. Smoking shall be prohibited in any room, ward or compartment where flammable liquids, combustible gases or oxygen is used or
stored and in other hazardous location and any general use/common areas of the assisted living facility. Such areas shall
be posted with “NO SMOKING” signs.
iii. Smoking by residents classified as not responsible shall be prohibited unless the resident is under direct supervision.
iv. Ashtrays of noncombustible material and safe design shall be placed in all areas where smoking is permitted.
v. Metal containers with self-closing cover devices into which ashtrays may be emptied shall be placed in all areas where
smoking is permitted.
e. Elevated outdoor spaces accessible to residents. All outdoor areas accessible to residents that are located above ground level shall:
i. Be constructed with a barrier no less than forty-eight inches (48”) I
height to prevent resident from falling or eloping;
ii. Provide overhead protection from the elements, such as rain, snow, and sleet; and,
iii. Be surrounded or enclosed by screening that extends from the top of the barrier to the underside of the overhead protection.
An adequate supply of water, under pressure, must be provided at all times. When a public water system is available, a connection must be made thereto. If water from a source other than a public water supply is used, the supply must meet the requirements set forth under rules and regulations of the State Board of Health.907.1 A contract to supply potable water shall be implemented with a third party not
associated with the operation of the assisted living facility in the event the
facility’s water supply should be interrupted.
908 SEWAGE
All sewage must be disposed of by means of either:
a. A public system where one is accessible within 300 feet; or
b. An approved sewage disposal system that is constructed and operated in conformance with the standards established for such systems by the State Board of Health.
909 PLUMBING
Facilities must comply with all provisions of the state plumbing and gas code and amendments thereto prescribing minimum requirements for design, materials, appliances, workmanship, and methods of installation.
910 ELECTRICAL
Electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, motors, and other electrical equipment must be installed in accordance with the national electrical code National Fire Prevention Association’s Pamphlet #70 and comply with local regulations and codes where they exist.
911 HEATING/COOLING
911.1 All liquefied petroleum gas systems must be installed and maintained in accordance with the State Code for Liquefied Petroleum Gas Containers and Equipment, State of Arkansas.
911.2 All gas heating units must bear the stamp of approval of the American Gas Association Testing Laboratories, Inc. or other nationally recognized testing agency for enclosed, vented heaters for the type of fuel used.
911.3 All gas heating units and water heaters must be vented adequately to carry the products of combustion to the outside atmosphere. Vents must be constructed and maintained to provide a continuous draft to the outside atmosphere in accordance with the American Gas Association Recommended Procedures.
911.4 All heating units must be provided with a sufficient supply of outside air so as to support combustion without depletion of the air in the occupied room.
911.5 All heating and cooling units must be installed and maintained in a manner that will provide for the safety and comfort of the occupants.
911.6 In new facilities licensed after the effective date of these regulations, the facility must provide each apartment or unit with an individual thermostat controlling the temperature in that apartment or unit. In addition, the facility must provide a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system(s) for the apartments or units and common areas capable of
maintaining any temperature between 68 and 80 degrees at any time throughout the year.
912 ZONING CODES
Each assisted living facility must be operated in areas permitted by local codes. Each owner must provide the Office of Long Term Care with documentation that the facility is in compliance with zoning requirements.
913 LOT REQUIREMENTS
Conditions of soil, ground water level, drainage and topography must not create hazards to the property as to the health and safety of the occupants. The site shall not be subject to unpredictable and/or sudden flooding and shall be large enough to provide an exercise area for residents. Exercise area shall mean, at a minimum, accessible exterior space configured with walkways suitable for walking and
benches for resting. The exterior space may be on the facility’s property, on publicly accessible public or private property (e.g., park, shopping mall), or on an area made available to the residents by the facility through special arrangement with private property owners. Special arrangements must be through long-term agreements deemed sufficient by OLTC. Regardless of the arrangements, exercise areas must be accessible from the property during daylight hours by means of a safe and accessible walking route.