22VAC40-73-860. General requirements.
A. Buildings licensed for ambulatory residents or nonambulatory residents shall be classified by and meet the specifications for the proper use and occupancy classification as required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63).
B. Documentation completed and signed by the building official shall be obtained as evidence of compliance with the applicable edition of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
C. Before construction begins or contracts are awarded for any new construction, remodeling, or alterations, plans shall be submitted to the department for review.
D. Doors and windows.
1. All doors shall open and close readily and effectively.
2. Any doorway that is used for ventilation shall be effectively screened.
3. Any operable window (i.e., a window that may be opened) shall be effectively screened.
E. There shall be enclosed walkways between residents' rooms and dining and sitting areas that are adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
F. There shall be an ample supply of hot and cold water from an approved source available to the residents at all times.
G. Hot water at taps available to residents shall be maintained within a range of 105°F to 120°F.
H. Where there is an outdoor area accessible to residents, such as a porch or lawn, it shall be equipped with furniture in season.
I. Each facility shall store cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials in a locked area, except as noted in subsection J of this section.
J. A resident may be permitted to keep his own cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials in an out-of-sight place in his room if the resident does not have a serious cognitive impairment. The cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials shall be stored so that they are not accessible to other residents.
Exception: When a resident keeps his own cleaning supplies or other hazardous materials in his room and if the facility has no residents with serious cognitive impairments, the facility may determine that the out-of-sight and inaccessibility safeguards specified in this subsection do not apply, unless mandated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code or Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51).
K. Each facility shall develop and implement a written policy regarding weapons on the premises of the facility that will ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and staff. Any facility permitting any type of firearm on the premises must include procedures to ensure that ammunitions and firearms are stored separately and in locked locations.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1802, 63.2-1805, and 63.2-1808 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 6, eff. February 1, 2018.