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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 35. Department of Behavioral Health And Developmental Services
Chapter 46. Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities
12/3/2024

12VAC35-46-480. Sleeping areas.

A. When residents are four years of age or older, boys and girls shall have separate sleeping areas.

B. No more than four children shall share a bedroom or sleeping area.

C. Children who use wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or other mechanical devices for assistance in walking shall be provided with a planned, personalized means of effective egress for use in emergencies.

D. Beds shall be at least three feet apart at the head, foot, and sides and double-decker beds shall be at least five feet apart at the head, foot, and sides.

E. Sleeping quarters in facilities established, constructed, or structurally modified after July 1, 1981, shall have:

1. At least 80 square feet of floor area in a bedroom accommodating one person;

2. At least 60 square feet of floor area per person in rooms accommodating two or more persons; and

3. Ceilings with a primary height of at least 7-1/2 feet exclusive of protrusions, duct work, or dormers.

F. Each child shall have a separate, clean, comfortable bed equipped with a clean mattress, clean pillow, clean blankets, clean bed linens, and, if needed, a clean waterproof mattress cover.

G. Bed linens shall be changed at least every seven days and more often if needed.

H. Mattresses shall be fire retardant as evidenced by documentation from the manufacturer except in buildings equipped with an automated sprinkler system as required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).

I. Cribs shall be provided for residents under two years of age.

J. Each resident shall be assigned drawer space and closet space, or their equivalent, that is accessible to the sleeping area for storage of clothing and personal belongings except in secure custody facilities.

K. The environment of sleeping areas shall be conducive to sleep and rest.

Statutory Authority

§§ 37.2-203 and 37.2-408 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 21, eff. August 6, 2009; Errata, 25:24 VA.R. 4356 August 3, 2009.

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