Purpose

Whereas, the Department is required by M.G.L. c. 111, § 5 to take cognizance of the health, comfort and convenience of all citizens of the Commonwealth and toadvisethegovernment concerning the location and other sanitary condition of any public institution; and the Department is required by M.G.L. c. 111, § 21 to make rules for correctional facilities and detention centers regarding the care and use of eating and drinking utensils, bedding, ventilation of buildings, minimum plumbing facilities for human habitation, and for the general health and safety of the detainees; and the Department is in addition required by M.G.L. c. 111, § 20 to inspect each correctional facility twice annually and to report on its findings and recommendations, 105 CMR 451.000 are adopted to establish required minimum standards for correctional facilities under M.G.L. c. 111, § 21; to recommend additional minimum standards necessary to ensure adequate health and sanitation in correctional facilities under M.G.L. c. 111, § 5;and to establish inspectional procedures for a more fair and effective administration of the Department's inspectional and advisory responsibilities under M.G.L. c. 111, §§ 5 and 20.