Part III. Residential Environment
12VAC35-46-420. Buildings, inspections and building plans.
A. All buildings and building related equipment shall be inspected and approved by the local building official. Approval shall be documented by a certificate of occupancy.
B. The facility shall document at the time of its original application evidence of consultation with state or local fire prevention authorities.
C. The facility shall document annually after the initial application that buildings and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51).
D. At the time of the original application and at least annually thereafter the buildings shall be inspected and approved by state or local health authorities, whose inspection and approval shall include:
1. General sanitation;
2. The sewage disposal system;
3. The water supply; and
4. Food service operations.
E. The buildings and physical environment shall provide adequate space and shall be of a design that is suitable to house the programs and services provided and meet specialized needs of the residents.
F. Building plans and specifications for new construction, change in use of existing buildings, and any structural modifications or additions to existing buildings shall be submitted to and approved by the department and by other appropriate regulatory authorities.
G. Swimming pools shall be inspected annually by the state or local health authorities or by a swimming pool business.
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.
12VAC35-46-430. Heating systems, ventilation, and cooling systems.
A. Heat shall be evenly distributed in all rooms occupied by the residents such that a temperature no less than 68°F is maintained, unless otherwise mandated by state or federal authorities.
B. Natural or mechanical ventilation to the outside shall be provided in all rooms used by residents.
C. Air conditioning or mechanical ventilating systems, such as electric fans, shall be provided in all rooms occupied by residents when the temperature in those rooms exceeds 80°F.
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.
12VAC35-46-440. Lighting.
A. Artificial lighting shall be by electricity.
B. All areas within buildings shall be lighted for safety and the lighting shall be sufficient for the activities being performed.
C. Lighting in halls shall be adequate and shall be continuous at night.
D. Operable flashlights or battery-powered lanterns shall be available for each staff member on the premises between dusk and dawn to use in emergencies.
E. Outside entrances and parking areas shall be lighted for protection against injuries and intruders.
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.
12VAC35-46-450. Plumbing.
A. Plumbing shall be maintained in good operational condition.
B. An adequate supply of hot and cold running water shall be available at all times.
C. Precautions shall be taken to prevent scalding from running water. Water temperatures shall be maintained between 100°F and 120°F.
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.
12VAC35-46-460. Toilet facilities.
A. There shall be at least one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or bathtub in each living unit.
B. There shall be at least one bathroom equipped with a bathtub in each facility.
C. There shall be at least one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every eight residents for facilities licensed before July 1, 1981.
D. There shall be one toilet, one hand basin, and one shower or tub for every four residents in any building constructed or structurally modified after July 1, 1981, except secure custody facilities. Facilities licensed after December 28, 2007, shall comply with the one-to-four ratio.
E. The maximum number of staff members on duty in the living unit shall be counted in determining the required number of toilets and hand basins when a separate bathroom is not provided for staff.
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.
12VAC35-46-470. Personal necessities.
A. An adequate supply of personal necessities shall be available to the residents at all times for purposes of personal hygiene and grooming.
B. Clean, individual washcloths and towels shall be in good repair and available once each week and more often if needed.
C. When residents are incontinent or not toilet trained:
1. Provision shall be made for sponging, diapering, or other similar care on a nonabsorbent changing surface that shall be cleaned with warm soapy water after each use.
2. A covered diaper pail, or its equivalent, with leakproof disposable liners shall be used to dispose of diapers. If both cloth and disposable diapers are used, there shall be a diaper pail for each.
3. Adapter seats and toilet chairs shall be cleaned immediately after each use with appropriate cleaning materials.
4. Staff shall thoroughly wash their hands with warm soapy water immediately after assisting a child or themselves with toileting.
5. Appropriate privacy, confidentiality, and dignity shall be maintained for residents during toileting and diapering.
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.
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.
12VAC35-46-490. Smoking prohibition.
Smoking shall be prohibited in living areas and in areas where residents participate in programs.
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.
12VAC35-46-500. Residents' privacy.
A. When bathrooms are not designated for individual use:
1. Each toilet shall be enclosed for privacy; and
2. Bathtubs and showers shall provide visual privacy for bathing by use of enclosures, curtains, or other appropriate means.
B. Windows in bathrooms, sleeping areas, and dressing areas shall provide for privacy.
C. Every sleeping area shall have a door that may be closed for privacy or quiet and this door shall be readily opened in case of fire or other emergency.
D. Residents shall be provided privacy from routine sight supervision by staff members of the opposite gender while bathing, dressing, or conducting toileting activities. This section does not apply to medical personnel performing medical procedures, staff providing assistance to infants, or staff providing assistance to residents whose physical or mental disabilities dictate the need for assistance with these activities as justified in the resident's record.
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.
12VAC35-46-510. Audio and visual recordings.
Each provider shall have written policies and procedures regarding the photographing and audio or audio-video recordings of residents approved by the Office of Human Rights that shall ensure and provide that:
1. The written consent of the resident or the resident's legal guardian shall be obtained before the resident is photographed or recorded for research or provider publicity purposes.
2. No photographing or recording by provider staff shall take place without the resident or the resident's family or legal guardian being informed.
3. All photographs and recordings shall be used in a manner that respects the dignity and confidentiality of the resident.
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.
12VAC35-46-520. Living rooms and indoor recreation space.
A. Each living unit shall have a living room, or other area for informal use, relaxation, and entertainment. The furnishings shall provide a comfortable, homelike environment that is appropriate to the ages of the residents.
B. All facilities shall have indoor recreation space that contains indoor recreation materials appropriate to the ages and interests of the residents.
C. Facilities licensed to care for 13 or more residents shall have indoor recreation space distinct from the living room. Recreation space is not required in every living unit.
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.
12VAC35-46-530. Study space.
A. Facilities serving a school-age population shall provide study space. Study space may be assigned in areas used interchangeably for other purposes.
B. Study space shall be well lighted, quiet, and equipped with tables or desks and chairs.
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.
12VAC35-46-540. Kitchen and dining areas.
A. Meals shall be served in areas equipped with sturdy tables and benches or chairs that are size and age appropriate for the residents.
B. Adequate kitchen facilities and equipment shall be provided for preparation and serving of meals.
C. Walk-in refrigerators, freezers, and other enclosures shall be equipped to permit emergency exits.
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.
12VAC35-46-550. Laundry areas.
Appropriate space and equipment in good repair shall be provided if laundry is done at the facility.
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.
12VAC35-46-560. Storage.
Space shall be provided for safe storage of items such as first aid equipment, household supplies, recreational equipment, luggage, out-of-season clothing, and other materials.
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.
12VAC35-46-570. Staff quarters.
A. A separate, private bedroom shall be provided for staff and their families when a staff member is on duty for 24 consecutive hours or more.
B. A separate private bathroom shall be provided for staff and their families when there are more than four persons in the living unit and the staff person is on duty for 24 consecutive hours or more.
C. Staff and members of their families shall not share bedrooms with residents.
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.
12VAC35-46-580. Office space.
Space shall be provided for administrative activities including, as appropriate to the program, confidential conversations and provision for storage of records and materials.
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.
12VAC35-46-590. Buiding and grounds.
A. The facility's grounds shall be safe, properly maintained, and free of clutter and rubbish. The grounds include, but are not limited to, all areas where residents, staff, and visitors may reasonably be expected to have access, including roads, pavements, parking lots, open areas, stairways, railings, and potentially hazardous or dangerous areas.
B. The interior and exterior of all buildings shall be safe, properly maintained, clean, and in good working order. This includes, but is not limited to, required locks, mechanical devices, indoor and outdoor equipment, and furnishings.
C. Outdoor recreation space shall be available and appropriately equipped for the residents' use.
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.
12VAC35-46-600. Equipment and furnishings.
A. All furnishings and equipment shall be safe, clean, and suitable to the ages and number of residents.
B. There shall be at least one continuously operable, nonpay telephone accessible to staff in each building in which children sleep or participate in programs.
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.
12VAC35-46-610. Housekeeping and maintenance.
A. All buildings shall be well ventilated and free of stale, musty, or foul odors.
B. Adequate provision shall be made for the collection and legal disposal of garbage and waste materials.
C. Buildings shall be kept free of flies, roaches, rats, and other vermin.
D. A sanitizing agent shall be used in the laundering of bed, bath, table, and kitchen linens.
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.
12VAC35-46-620. Farm and domestic animals.
A. Horses and other animals maintained on the premises shall be quartered at a reasonable distance from sleeping, living, eating and food preparation areas, as well as a safe distance from water supplies.
B. Animals maintained on the premises shall be tested, inoculated, and licensed as required by law.
C. The premises shall be kept free of stray domestic animals.
D. Pets shall be provided with clean quarters and adequate food and water.
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.