WAC 246-324-140   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) Direct access to and from a corridor, common-use activity room, or other common-use area;

     (g) 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;

     (h) 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;

     (i) At least three feet between beds, and adequate space between furnishings to allow easy entrance, exit, and traffic flow within the room;

     (j) 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 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;

     (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. 95-22-013, § 246-324-140, filed 10/20/95, effective 11/20/95.]