Physical plant requirements
Most administrators of assisted living facilities do not have the opportunity to be included in the plans of developing the facilities they operate, meaning there is a possibility the design team is not thoroughly versed in the regulation concerning the communities they build. With that said, you should have a good understanding of the following regulation to avoid being out of compliance with the physical plant standards that the Office of Health Care Assurance provides:
- 11-90-4 Minimum building and structural requirements.
The facility shall provide each resident with the following:
(1) Apartment unit with a bathroom, refrigerator, and cooking capacity, including a sink;
(2) The unit shall be a minimum of 220 square feet, not including the bathroom;
(3) The cooking capacity may be removed or disconnected depending on the individual needs of the resident;
(4) The unit shall have a separate and complete bathroom with a sink, shower, and toilet;
(5) The unit shall accommodate physically challenged persons and persons in wheelchairs, as needed;
(6) The unit shall have a call system monitored 24- hours a day by facility staff;
(7) The unit shall be wired for telephone and television;
(8) Access to common areas such as activity rooms, lounges, dining rooms, and laundry; and
(9) Private accessible mailbox in which the resident may send and receive mail, which meets postal standards.
Top Takeaway:
- (2) The unit shall be a minimum of 220 square feet, not including the bathroom;
You need to ensure resident rooms meet this requirement. It is an easy way that OHCA will deny your licensure if you cannot meet this requirement (probably will be something you want to cover prior to building/remodeling/purchasing your facility).
- (6) The unit shall have a call system monitored 24- hours a day by facility staff
An effective call system will greatly assist facilities with their goals of keeping residents safe and comfortable by giving them peace of mind knowing that a care team member is just a press of a button away. The care team must understand the call system and how providing appropriate response times will improve the quality of care and allow the facility to meet the needs of residents which will increase resident satisfaction.