Requirements For Building Construction And Physical Standards

01. Construction Changes. For all new construction, changes of occupancy, modifications, additions, or renovations to existing buildings, the facility must submit construction drawings with specifications to the licensing authority for review and approval prior to any work being started. All new construction and conversions must install audible and visual notification devices for fire alarm systems in all common areas and resident rooms no matter the size of facility. (3-15-22) 02. Plans and Specifications. Plans must be prepared, signed, stamped, and dated by an architect or engineer licensed in the state of Idaho and submitted to the Department after approval of local authorities. (7-1-26) 03. Approval. All buildings, additions, and renovations are subject to approval by the Licensing Agency and must meet applicable requirements. (3-15-22) 04. Toilets and Bathrooms. Each facility must provide: (3-15-22) a. A toilet and bathroom for resident use so arranged that it is not necessary for an individual to pass through another resident's room to reach the toilet or bath; (3-15-22) b. Solid walls or partitions to separate each toilet and bathroom from all adjoining rooms; (3-15-22) c. Mechanical ventilation to the outside from all inside toilets and bathrooms not provided with an operable exterior window; (3-15-22) d. Adequate number of bathrooms to meet the needs of the residents admitted to the facility; (7-1-26) 05. Accessibility for Persons with Mobility and Sensory Impairments. For residents who have mobility or sensory impairments, the facility must provide a physical environment which meets the needs of the person for independent mobility and use of appliances, bathroom facilities, and living areas. New construction must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Existing facilities must comply, to the maximum extent feasible. (7-1-26) 06. Plumbing. The temperature of hot water at plumbing fixtures used by residents must be between one hundred five degrees Fahrenheit (105°F) and one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit (120°F). (7-1-26) 07. Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC). Equipment must be furnished, installed, and maintained to meet all requirements of current state and local mechanical, electrical, and construction codes. An HVAC system must be capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit (70°F) and a maximum temperature of seventy-eight degrees Fahrenheit (78°F) during the day, and a minimum of sixty-two degrees Fahrenheit (62°F) and a maximum temperature of seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (75°F) during the night. Wood stoves, gas fireplaces, or solid burning fireplaces are not permitted as the sole source of heat, and the thermostat for the primary source of heat must be remotely located away from any of these sources. (7-1-26) a. Portable heating devices of any kind are prohibited in resident sleeping areas; (7-1-26) b. All fireplaces must provide a safety barrier that is tip resistant and ensures resident safety; (7-1-26) c. Boilers, hot water heaters, and unfired pressure vessels must be equipped with automatic pressure relief valves; (3-15-22) d. Fire and smoke dampers must be inspected, serviced, and cleaned once every four (4) years by a person professionally engaged in the business of servicing these devices or systems. A copy of these results must be kept in the facility. (3-15-22) IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 16.03.22 Department of Health and Welfare Residential Assisted Living Facilities Section 260 Page 14 08. Dining, Recreation, Shower, Bathing, and Living Space. The total area set aside for these purposes must be no less than thirty (30) square feet per licensed bed. A hall or entry cannot be included as living or recreation space. (3-15-22) 09. Resident Sleeping Rooms. The facility must ensure that: (3-15-22) a. Not more than two (2) residents can be housed in any multi-bed sleeping room; (7-1-26) b. Square footage requirements for resident sleeping rooms must provide for not less than one hundred (100) square feet of floor space per resident in a single-bed sleeping room and not less than eighty (80) square feet of floor space per resident in a multi-bed sleeping room. For facilities constructed after January 1, 2021, square footage requirements for resident sleeping rooms must provide at least one hundred (100) square feet of floor space per resident for both single-bed and multi-bed sleeping rooms. (3-15-22) c. The operable windowsill height must not exceed forty-four (44) inches above the floor in existing buildings being; (7-1-26) d. Window screens must be provided on operable windows; and (7-1-26) e. Closet space in each resident sleeping room must provide at least four (4) usable square feet per resident. Common closets used by two (2) or more residents must have substantial dividers for separation of each resident's clothing. All closets must be equipped with doors. Free-standing closets are deducted from the square footage of the sleeping room. (3-15-22) 10. Secure Environment. If the facility accepts and retains residents who have cognitive impairment and have a history of elopement or attempted elopement, the facility must provide an interior environment and exterior yard that is secure and safe. The secured environment and security provided must be evaluated and adjusted as necessary to meet the needs of all residents. (7-1-26) 11. Call System. The facility must have a call system available for each resident and maintain the resident’s right to privacy, including in the resident’s living quarters and common areas, during medical treatment, and other services, and in written and telephonic communications, or in visits with family, friends, advocates, and resident groups. The call system cannot be a substitute for supervision. (7-1-26) 251. – 259. (RESERVED)