Plant And Equipment

(1) All facilities shall be constructed according to standards approved by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment and the Fire Safety Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance including the current Life Safety Code. All new structures and renovations must meet the requirements of the Title 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. (2) All buildings shall be inspected and approved annually by the designated Fire Safety Authority and by representatives from the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment. The agency must be in compliance with the applicable regulations and standards of these authorities in order to obtain or retain a license. (3) Location The residence shall be located so as to be easily accessible to community resources such as hospital, shops, transportation, and recreational facilities. (4) Buildings (a) General Structure. The physical plant shall be suitable and safe, providing adequate space and facilities for the day-to-day functions of dining, sleeping, study, and recreation. (b) Living Quarters 1. Sleeping Quarters (i) There shall be a separate bed with mattress and springs, and appropriate linens and covers for each resident. (ii) There shall be adequate closet and drawer space. (iii) In each bedroom there shall be 65 square feet for the first resident and 50 additional square feet for each additional resident. (iv) No facility shall have more than four (4) residents per room. (v) Apartment quarters or bedrooms which meet the same standards as those for residents shall be provided for each member of the live-in staff. STANDARDS FOR MATERNITY HOMES CHAPTER 0250-4-7 2. Lounging and Den Areas (i) There shall be adequate space for lounging, studying, and visitation in the general living quarters. (ii) Telephone facilities shall be available. (c) Toilets and baths 1. If the building is more than one story, toilets shall be located on each floor used by residents. 2. In the sleeping area, there shall be a ratio or one toilet, lavatory, and shower to every four (4) residents. 3. Separate toilets and lavatories shall be available for staff and visitors in the visiting area. (d) Dining Room The dining room shall be attractive, well-lighted, well-ventilated, and suitably equipped, within easy access to the kitchen. (e) Kitchen 1. The kitchen shall be well equipped with a stove and a refrigerator of appropriate size for the number accommodated. 2. The kitchen shall meet the sanitary standards set by the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment, Appendix A of these rules. (f) Laundry Facilities Adequate laundry facilities shall be provided. (g) Office Space Provision shall be made for adequate fire-resistant locked storage space for records. 1. Space shall be adequate for efficient staff operation and for efficient service to clients. 2. There shall be private office space for counseling. (5) General Maintenance Provision shall be made for ongoing maintenance and grounds. (6) Safety Requirements (a) Measures must be taken to remove hazards and to prevent accidents. (b) Residents with physical and emotional handicaps must be protected through appropriate and specific safety measures. (c) There must be adequate smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to ensure fire safety. STANDARDS FOR MATERNITY HOMES CHAPTER 0250-4-7 (d) Each home must have posted, in a visible and accessible location, a written plan for evacuation. (e) Residents must be trained in emergency evacuation procedures, (f) Emergency telephone numbers must be immediately accessible to the telephone. (g) No person or caregiver who has any physical, mental, or emotional condition which may be harmful to children shall be allowed to be in the agency’s facilities which have been designated for the care of children, nor shall they be allowed to have any contact, at any time with children while the children are in the care of the agency or any staff or volunteers, whether on the site of the agency’s facility or elsewhere.